Saskatoon bingo hall dabs out criticism about spreading COVID

A Saskatoon bingo hall that usually calls out numbers now is calling out naysayers who are putting blame on the industry for contributing to the spread of COVID-19 in Saskatchewan.

Last month the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) issued a warning about a potential “super-spreader” event at City Centre Bingo on Oct. 24. An outbreak was declared at the business Nov. 3.

Gaming operations manager Gordy Ouellette and two of his staff later tested positive for the virus. Ouellette says they have no way of knowing for certain how the virus came into the business, but he rejects criticism that bingo halls are contributing to the spread of the virus.

“We’ve been labelled as a ‘super-spreader’ and we aren’t,” said Ouellette. “From the word ‘go’ on this, we’ve been proactive in our approach to helping fight the spread or flatten the curve.”

City Centre Bingo’s COVID-19 protocols included social distancing, physical barriers between counter sellers and concessions, enhanced disinfecting of all contact surfaces (tables, chairs, doors, countertops and washrooms) and encouraging the use of masks.

It also removed more than 250 chairs from its hall and placed all remaining chairs into three distinct groupings – groups (six or less), pairs and a singles section.

Ouellette said the bingo hall went above what was required.

“We did everything we’re supposed to be doing and yet the SHA, I don’t want say sunk us but labelled us this ‘super-spreader’ and it’s unfair,” he said.

“We followed SHA (guidelines). I’ve got a report on my desk from SHA saying, ‘You guys are great. You guys are doing everything you’re supposed to be doing.’ ”

On Nov. 25, government restrictions limited casinos, bingo halls, theatres and places of live entertainment to a maximum of 30 people.

That forced City Centre Bingo and others in the industry to temporarily close down. Ouellette said community groups who rely on bingos for their fundraising will be hit the hardest by the closures.

“We’re not doing OK,” he said. “We’re going to get by, but we’re going to find a way to remain open because it’s very important to these 55 charities that they have a place to earn some money.

“Three million dollars, that’s a lot of money that’s going to be missing out of the local economy.”

The latest provincial health order is in effect until Dec. 17. Ouellette said he would need the cap on people increased to at least 140 for City Centre Bingo to reopen.