The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Commission (OLG) is temporarily closing all casinos across the province, which includes the Cascades Casino in Chatham.
“The health and safety of casino customers and employees is a priority for OLG and its service providers,” OLG officials said in a media release on Sunday, March 15, 2020.
“OLG, working with all our casino service providers, is confirming that an orderly shutdown of all casinos across Ontario has begun. We expect the closure to be complete within approximately 24 hours.”
OLG officials say this action is consistent with the recommendations of the province’s Chief Medical Officer of Health related to new precautionary measures for COVID-19.
“OLG will provide an update on when the casinos will re-open, taking into account guidance from public health authorities,” OLG officials say.
“We look forward to welcoming back customers and employees at that time.”
An official statement from Gateway Casinos, who operates the Chatham facility, has yet to be released.
Watch for more details.
Dr. David Colby, Chatham-Kent’s Medical Officer of Health, ordered various measures on Friday, March 13 to control the spread of COVID-19 and he also declared a local emergency as a result. Details, here & here.
The World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared COVID-19 as a pandemic on Wednesday. Details, here.
For a list of local, cancellations, postponement and further updates, click here.
