SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. — Casinos around the Inland Northwest are announcing closures or changes to procedures amid the outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
The Kalispel Tribe of Indians announced on Monday that the entire Northern Quest Resort & Casino complex will be closed for at least two weeks starting immediately as a coronavirus (COVID-19) precaution.
According to a press release, the entire resort and casino, along with the Kalispel Casino, Kalispel Golf and Country Club and Fatburger 5-mile are closing for two weeks starting on Monday for at least two weeks as a precaution against the spread of coronavirus.
"As conditions are rapidly changing in these uncertain times, we believe it's incumbent upon all of us to take responsibility for social distancing to protect the health and safety of our community," part of the release reads.
Kootenai River Inn Casino And Spa
The Koootenai Tribe of Idaho announced on Friday that parts of the Kootenai River Inn Casino and Spa would be closing as a precaution due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The following parts of the casino and spa will be closing at the listed times:
- Casino rooms close at midnight Saturday
- Springs Restaurant and Lounge dining room will close at 9:30 p.m. Saturday (to-go still available)
- Spa closes at 6 p.m. Saturday
- Pool and fitness center closed immediately
The tribe said the listed portions will be closed for about two weeks and the current plan is to reopen them at noon on April 3.
Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort Hotel closes
The Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort Hotel announced Thursday it would be closing for 14 days starting on Friday at noon.
"Over the last few weeks out team has done an incredible job implementing enhanced cleaning measures but as this situation continues to develop, we feel that we need to take a bigger step in preventing the potential spread of the virus," CEO Laura Stensgar is quoted as saying in a release.
All employees will continue to be paid and receive benefits, according to the release. Pumps at its gas station will remain in operation. Circling Raven Golf Club is expected to still open on March 27 with extra precautions, according to the release.
The casino previously said it was staying open with extra cleaning precautions.
Spokane Tribe Casino and Chewelah Casino close
The Spokane Tribe Casino and Chewelah Casino will temporarily close its gaming properties at 5 p.m. Tuesday. Casino leaders will reassess the situation on March 26 to determine when they will resume day-to-day operations.
“Fortunately, we have not yet had any COVID-19 cases at either casino facility, though we feel it is important to take preventative steps to limit the risks of community spread,” said Javier De La Rosa, General Manager of Spokane Tribe Casino.
According to a press release, key staff members will help close operations and remain onsite to deep clean and maintain the facility.
Casino leadership said team members will be paid during the scheduled closure. Paychecks, paid time off and benefits will not be affected.
“Community is a core value of the Spokane Tribe, and our guests and team members are part of our community, and their safety comes first,” said Dwayne Fitzgerald, General Manager of Chewelah Casino. “Together, we will pull through this unprecedented time – and we will be ready to welcome everyone when we are able to open our doors and resume normal activities.”
Davenport closes four out of five hotels
Leadership with Davenport Hotels announced the short-term closure of four out of five Davenport hotels, with existing operations moving to The Davenport Grand in downtown Spokane.
All Davenport restaurants and lounges, the spa, retail outlets, fitness center and pools are also closed to comply with Washington Gov. Jay Inslee’s emergency proclamation to shut down bars and restaurants and further limit the size of gatherings during the outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
As of Thursday in the state of Washington, 1,376 people have tested positive for the virus and 74 of those people died. A total of 19,336 people have tested negative. This doesn't reflect a fifth case in Spokane County.
Governor Jay Inslee ordered all public and private K-12 schools in the state to close until April 27 starting on Tuesday. He also has ordered restaurants and bars to close until the end of March, although restaurants can still provide deliver and take-out options. Recreational and entertainment venues such as gyms, theaters and other clubs have also been ordered to close.
Some school districts in North Idaho, including Plummer-Worley, Coeur d'Alene Tribal and Kellogg have also closed until April 6.