Casino reopening soon.
Date not confirmed for Sydney’s Casino Nova Scotia
SYDNEY — Nova Scotia casinos have been given initial approval to reopen for business, but a date has not been confirmed.
On Monday, the Great Canadian Gaming Corp. announced that the Nova Scotia Gaming Corp has said casinos are allowed to reopen in adherence to Great Canadian’s COVID-19 operating plan, as well as law and public health guidelines and orders.
The Richmond, B.C., company owns Casino Nova Scotia in Sydney and Halifax. The casinos have been closed since March 16 due to the pandemic.
In order for the casino to open safely and resume operation, each location must have a COVID-19 operating plan. Physical distancing, site capacity, cleaning and disinfecting, and personal hygiene are among the guidelines.
Efforts will be made to maintain six-foot distance between patrons and staff, and when not possible, alternative measures will be put in place to keep everyone safe.
Reconfiguring operating areas to maintain the social distance guidelines related to slots and table gaming seating are expected to take place, however, will require regulatory approval for floor plan changes from the alcohol, gaming, fuel and tobacco division of Service Nov Scotia.
The use of arrows, tape, and floor decals are also expected to be in place at casinos. Physical distancing for table games is also expected.
Poker rooms will not operate in the initial reopening phase. They will be re-assessed in the future to determine when it’s safe to open.
Concerts and other live entertainment events will not be permitted at the casino for the foreseeable future and is expected to be re-assessed at a later date as public health direction allows.
Security at the casinos will monitor and control the number of patrons allowed in the facility at any time.
Both the Sydney and Halifax casinos were “deep cleaned” following closures in March. Cleaning protocols have been developed and will follow a mandated and frequent schedule.
Non-medical or personal masks will be made available upon request for patrons and employees. Hand sanitizers and disinfectant wipes in high traffic and touch areas will be in place.
The Cape Breton Post requested an interview with Casino Nova Scotia to discuss the reopening plans. However, in an email, Chuck Keeling, executive vice president, stakeholder relations and responsible gaming for Great Canadian Gaming Corp, said the company was “not in a position to grant an interview.”