Those of you that had July 9 as the date for the Bear Claw Casino to reopen would have had made the safe bet.
The doors opened at 6 p.m. that day to the general public for the first time since the popular venue was closed due to the pandemic.
The Bear Claw is one of the most popular spots for people to go for entertainment, drawing clientele from a wide area in the province and other regions.
Those planning to reacquaint themselves or those visiting for the first time will find a safe and secure place to relax for a while. The casino has made several changes to see that all those working or those patronizing the casino are well looked after.
Upon entering the venue customers will be greeted and notice signage with the regulations needed to be adhered to. Sanitizer is placed at the door and all customers will be required to don a protective facemask to enter.
All customers entering will then be required to swipe their client card on the way into the game room and also swipe when exiting. If a customer has no card, they can be issued one or have their personal information recorded so that the casino has a record of all people coming and going from the premises. This practice will allow all people to be tracked and/or contacted should the situation arise that someone would test positive for the COVID-19 virus.
Customers will notice the management has made several other additions to the casino floor in order to operate in a safe manner. Extra sanitizer stations are set up, protective Plexiglas is installed at the customer service desk, at the cage and at the food and beverage counter.
Arrows on the floor are to assist movement and barriers separate customers getting service.
The slot machines have been rearranged to accommodate physical distancing for the players. The live game tables have been removed and replaced with electronic table games. The number of stools placed on the game floor for players has also been reduced in order to meet physical distancing requirements. The Fun Zone has had its seating removed and the pool table is moved, as are the arcade games, thus allowing more room on the floor for the slot machines.
Television monitors have been removed where possible and those that remain are not in use, preventing the possibility of customers gathering too close together.
Smoking is allowed and food is available. Customers will be allowed to remove masks to eat or smoke, and then replace them immediately at finish.
Growlers restaurant, the hotel rooms, boardrooms and multi purpose rooms will remain closed till further notice.
The casino will operate seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily and camping is available.
