Massachusetts casinos hit by curfew

The curfew order will reduce the operating hours of casinos, along with other businesses such as gyms and theatres.

US.- Massachusetts’ three commercial casinos will be forced to close between 9.30pm and 5.00am as of Friday.

The curfew comes in response to a 278 per cent increase in new coronavirus cases in the state since Labor Day.

Gov. Charlie Baker issued the order, which urges citizens to stay at home between 10pm and 5am with the exception of essential activities such as grocery shopping, going to work, running critical errands or taking a walk.

Casinos are affected along with other non-essential businesses such as gyms and theatres.

In response to the order, Encore Boston Harbor casino resort closed its hotel immediately as per a note issued by its president Brian Gullbrants. The property will reduce its casino hours in accordance with the curfew from Friday.

Gullbrants said the decisions “reflect our initial assessment of business needs and we will continue to adjust and refine as necessary to meet guest demand.”

Casinos are currently operating at 49 per cent capacity and have sanitary protocols in place, such as obligatory face masks and limited hospitality services.