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B.C. casinos start laying out details for COVID-19 reopening plan

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B.C.’s casinos have been closed since March 2020 but with the province’s COVID-19 restart plan now in motion, the B.C. Lottery Corporation said it is excited to start planning for the safe reopening of casinos and community gaming centres.

They could open as early as July 1, which would be part of Stage 3 and contingent upon 70 per cent of British Columbians being vaccinated with a single dose.

When the facilities do reopen, the BCLC said a number of changes will be made to keep visitors and staff safe.

There will be at least two metres of space between table games, slot machines and other gambling equipment.

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Physical barriers will be used where physical distancing is not possible or where casino employees must interact with players.

Physical barriers will be put up in B.C. casinos where players and staff cannot physically distance. BCLC

There will be limits as to how many people can be in the casino at a time, including occupancy for restaurants and lounges.

Click to play video: 'Highlights from B.C.’s COVID-19 restart plan announcement'
Highlights from B.C.’s COVID-19 restart plan announcement

In addition, table games will be adjusted to those in which cards can be dealt face up as players will not be allowed to touch cards with the exception of Squeeze Baccarat, which utilizes one-time use cards.

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There will be a limited number of people allowed inside casinos and everyone will be asked to stay two metres apart if possible. BCLC

More details will be released as B.C.’s restart plan continues.

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Casino staff will be designated to clean machines, tables and surfaces more often. BCLC

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