THUNDER BAY – A slow trickle of returning customers expressed confidence in COVID-19 safety measures as Thunder Bay’s Gateway Casino welcomed customers back for the first time in over six months on Saturday.
Patrons said policies such as mandatory face masks, spacing between slot machines (table games remain closed), and plexiglass barriers between games had helped put them at ease.
Perhaps most reassuring was the province’s requirement to limit the number of customers inside at one time to 50.
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“There’s not enough people to get close to,” said one customer as she left with a friend Saturday. “I think people are scared to go in because of the virus, but if you protect yourself and you stay away from other people… they’re very safe in there.”
She estimated only about 15 customers had been inside early Saturday afternoon. With the addition of a few personal protective measures, the woman said she felt perfectly comfortable inside the Cumberland Street facility Saturday.
“I was all prepared for myself – I brought my gloves, my mask, [and hand sanitizer] so I can make sure I’m safe.”
Given the capacity restrictions, Gateway is currently opening its doors only to My Club Rewards members, who can be accompanied by one guest. Admittance is currently by appointment only.
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The company has stated it will communicate information on the new appointment system to existing members.
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Members can schedule their play time online, check in upon arrival, and wait in their vehicles until they are cleared to enter.
One of those members, Warren Kakegumick, came to see the changes for himself Saturday. He is concerned about COVID-19, he said, but compared risks at the casino to others people routinely take, such as visiting stores.
Another patron who walked away with some winnings Saturday afternoon said he agreed everyone needs to be cautious of the virus given its resurgence in other parts of the province.
However, his first experience in the casino since it closed in March due to COVID-19 had proven reassuring.
“It felt pretty safe,” he reported. “A lot of machines are out, so there’s lots of social distancing. They come around and wipe the machines and everyone’s got masks on.”