Welsh Prime Minister Mark Drakeford announced changes to the restrictions to contain the new coronavirus pandemic in the country. For this reason, the country’s casinos will be able to return to operation next Saturday, August 29.
Wales currently has four casinos that employ around 400 people. These establishments have been closed since the first social isolation measures were applied in mid-March.
The four properties adopted a series of health and safety measures in preparation for the reopening, including split screens, tracking systems and rules of social distance.
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) celebrated the news, evaluating the decision to allow the resumption of casinos as “the right move” by the prime minister.
The industry body has been very supportive of the reopening of casinos in England, Scotland and Wales since some other restrictions on business were eased in June.
BGC CEO Michael Dugher said: “I warmly welcome this announcement by Mark Drakeford, which is the right move and a tremendous boost for the hundreds of men and women working in Welsh casinos, as well as their customers.”
Casinos are gradually returning in the UK
Scottish Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon recently announced that the bingo halls, game rooms, casinos and billiard halls are cleared for partial re-operation from Monday, 24.
English casinos were allowed to reopen on August 15. Two weeks after what was initially planned by the UK government. The BGC described this as a “welcome relief” for the industry and its employees.
Effects of Coronavirus in Wales
Wales has accounted for about 17,500 positive cases of the disease with 1,500 deaths so far. The United Kingdom, on the other hand, reached the mark of 325 thousand people affected with 41 thousand deaths.
