By rdnewsNOW staff

Ceasing Operations

Alberta’s charitable casinos to close temporarily amid COVID-19 pandemic

Mar 18, 2020 | 8:03 AM

Alberta Charitable Casino Operators (ACCO) has announced that the province’s charitable casinos will cease operations, effective immediately, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Organization officials say the decision has been made by the Government of Alberta through declaring a State of Public Health Emergency that included a directive to close casinos, racing entertainment centres, and bingo hall operations throughout the province immediately.

Up until this time, licensed casino operators were following the guidance of Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health by adding extra cleaning and health protocols and continuing to monitor the situation as it evolved, in order to assist in the prevention and spread of the COVID-19 virus.

“The health and safety of patrons and staff is our primary concern,” says ACCO executive director, David Johnson, in a release. “We applaud the Government of Alberta for their decisive action to close casino properties across the province in their continued effort to do what is right for the people of Alberta to help in the fight against COVID-19”.

Effective Mar. 17, ACCO officials say Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, have all taken similar measures to close casino properties within their jurisdictions.

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Officials add, the decision to re-open Alberta properties will be made when it is determined by Government of Alberta, AGLC and local operators that it is both safe and appropriate to return to regular operations.