Some Ontario casinos open as province reports COVID-19 surge

A woman, wearing masks as a precaution against the coronavirus, plays an electronic slot machine during the reopening of the Mirage hotel and casino, Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020, in Las Vegas. The casino closed earlier this year due to the coronavirus outbreak. (AP Photo/John Locher)

TORONTO — Several Ontario casinos reopened on Monday as the province reported a surge in new cases of COVID-19.

Great Canadian Gaming Corporation says it reopened 11 of its properties, including Casino Woodbine in Toronto and Casino Ajax.

Ontario allowed casinos to reopen as parts of the province moved into Stage Three of their pandemic response this summer.

The province has, however, prohibited table games at the establishments.

Great Canadian Gaming said it will have a limit of 50 guests indoors at its casinos and is focused on reopening safely.

Ontario reported 700 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, the highest daily increase recorded since the start of the pandemic.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 28, 2020.