The Mass. Gaming Commission announced Saturday that the state's casinos will close temporarily in an effort to limit the risk of community spread of the novel coronavirus.
In a statement, the commission said that gaming floors would be closed on or before 5:59 AM Sunday, March 15: "In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the decision was made in collaboration and cooperation with our licensees to safeguard the health and well-being of casino guests, employees, and regulators."
On March 12, the Mass Gaming Commission learned that a person who visited Encore Boston Harbor in Everett on March 5 subsequently tested positive for the novel coronavirus. While the Mass. Department of Public Health noted that the risk of transmission from this event was minimal, seven people who were found to have contact with the individual are now in self-quarantine.
