UK National Lottery operator Camelot has been forced to shut its head office after an employee was diagnosed with novel coronavirus (Covid-19), but stressed that this would have no impact on operations.An employee, who recently returned from Thailand, was diagnosed with Covid-19 and is now receiving medical advice.
As a result, Camelot told iGB that it had closed its head office in Watford, north of London, in line with Public Health England advice to carry out a deep clean of the premises.
“We hope to re-open the office as soon as possible,” a spokesperson for the operator said. “However, many colleagues have the ability to work from home, and The National Lottery will operate as normal and draws will happen as planned.”
Any staff member that was in direct contact with the affected employee have been advised to seek medical advice via the NHS 111 helpline, and to contact their manager of they begin to feel unwell.
“Our priority is the health of our employees and we are keeping them fully informed of developments, as well as providing them with advice in relation to coronavirus,” the spokesperson added.
In related news, MGM Resorts has shuttered New York’s Yonkers Raceway following the death of a track employee from Covid-19.
“We just learned that an employee of the Standardbred Owners Association, working in the racing office of Yonkers Raceway, located next to the racetrack and paddock, tested positive for the coronavirus before passing away,” the operator said. “His death was announced today by New Jersey officials, as he was a resident of the state.
“We believe the last time he was on the property to be approximately eight days ago. We offer our condolences to his family during this difficult time.
“As a result of this development, the racetrack will be shut down as of this afternoon, and we have asked employees who worked in the immediate area to self-quarantine,” it continued. “We will continue to coordinate with and follow the guidance of health officials and support them in their response and prevention efforts.”
These developments are the latest sign of the Covid-19 outbreak hitting the gambling industry. Italy’s land-based sector has largely been shut down as a result of the lockdown protocol implemented by the country’s government.
