The influence of COVID-19 over Canadian businesses

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By now, we are all aware of the existence of Coronavirus and there is an ongoing investigation in order to determine more about this rapidly evolving outbreak. According to a report from the World Health Organization, the symptoms in confirmed cases include fever, dry cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, muscle or joint pain, sore throat, headache, and chills.

As of March 25, there were 2,792 Coronavirus cases, 27 deaths, and 186 recovered. Due to the isolation advice, how did this World War 3 replacement known as Coronavirus affect Canada’s economy?

The rise of online casinos

Land casinos from all over Canada are being closed to protect public health, causing profitable businesses to sink. The ones that are indeed fortunate in the current situation are the online casino owners. Gambling enthusiasts may not have the option to visit a land casino for the next period, but they can still enjoy the casino feel with live table games, slots, and even Virtual Reality games. If you are an admirer of online casinos as well, discover the entire collection on casinobonusca.com.

Land-based casinos are being shut down

Photo: Fallsview Casino

To help curb the spread of COVID-19, Health Minister of British Colombia, Adrian Dix ordered all casinos to close, a move that followed an earlier closing of ten casinos by the Great Canadian Gaming Corp. In conjunction with the BCLC, this casino operator announced on its website that 10 gaming facilities will be closed. “Even if no Coronavirus cases were declared at GCGC, this measure is deemed to be for the greater good of public health and the constant struggle to contain the virus spread”.

Ontario's Lottery & Gaming also announced the temporary closing of all gaming facilities in Ontario, stating that “the action is consistent with the Chief Medical Officer of Health recommendations, related to new preventive measures for the virus”. The crown agency added that the safety and health of its employees and customers is a priority for OLG. This move came soon after Theo Lagakos, the president of Local 533 of the Public Service Alliance of Canada called for its immediate closure. Lagakos questioned why the casino was still open when numerous other services in Toronto and across Ontario were being closed. He has observed that the employees were not permitted to wear masks and that they had no instruments to sanitize the cards, chips, and tables. "Neither of us wishes to be in a position where a particular enterprise takes a hit, however, health and safety needs to be prioritized", Lagakos had said.

Simultaneously, all of Vancouver’s casinos are being closed. A directive from the province’s top doctor follows, concerning events of 50 or more persons in B.C.  At a news conference, Bonnie Henry, the provincial health officer explained that the move to cancel those gatherings is "in alignment with what we're seeing in the U.S."

These facilities will not be re-opened until the province determines it is safe to do so. Sometimes, the safer bet is no bet at all!

What other businesses closed their doors?

Customer-facing companies across Canada have been pressured to take a decision on whether to close or remain open during the pandemic. Therefore, many have decided to temporarily cease operations, in a bid to stop the Coronavirus spread.

Gyms and Health Centres

Photo: Goodlife Fitness

Canada’s major gym chain has closed all its locations across the country. Goodlife Fitness and Fit4less Clubs’ chief executive announced that member payments will be suspended as of March 17. Paid-in-full memberships will be frozen until further notice and expiry dates will be extended.

Bars and Restaurants

Ontario declared a state of emergency, closing all bars and restaurants, excluding those offering delivery and takeout.

Alberta also declared a state of public emergency, banning gatherings higher than 50 persons, including weddings, casinos, bingo halls, museums, bars, art galleries, and public recreation facilities.

Starbucks is relocating to a take-out model at its stores in Canada for a minimum of 2 weeks.

Cinemas

Cineplex, Canada’s largest movie chain, announced the closing of 165 theatre location, as well as the Rec Room and Playdium, until at least April 2.

Shopping

Ikea has announced the temporary closure of its stores, until further notice. Costco, however, will remain open, taking steps to control the number of persons allowed in the warehouses.

Hudson’s Bay, Canadian bookstore Indigo, Nordstrom, Holt Renfrew, H&M, Uniqlo, Nike, and tech giant Apple will also close their doors, indeterminately.

Banks

Photo: CIBC

CIBC declared that 816 of its locations will remain open, with modified hours and close another 206 locations. RBC Royal Bank is temporarily closing some, but not all the branches and it is taking steps in helping the employees work from home. 

Final Thoughts

While some individuals don’t yet recognize the magnitude of COVID-19, most of the world does and is severely affected by the loss of people. In order to safeguard our health, an increasing number of companies are closing their doors every day. One of the few businesses to make a profit these days are the online casinos that provide some entertainment in such times of distress.

Until the situation improves, it is best to stay safe, stay home!