Despite deaths from COVID-19 nearing half a million, the Encore Boston Casino announced their plan for re-opening, including extended hours and re-opening amenities that were previously closed due to the pandemic.

NBC10 in Boston reports that this coming Monday, Jan. 25, and Tuesday, Jan. 26, the casino will extend its hours from 9 a.m. until midnight. Starting this Wednesday, Jan. 27, the casino will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The hotel will resume hosting guests on Thursday through Sunday evenings starting Thursday, Feb. 4, and the spa will re-open on Saturdays and Sundays beginning Saturday, Feb. 6.

Gov. Charlie Baker announced yesterday that the state would be lifting its stay-at-home advisory or curfew which had been in place since November of last year as well as easing other restrictions that hindered the casino's hours and services. Baker said the changes were made because COVID-19 hospitalizations and the state's average positive test rate were "trending in a better direction" after spiking after the holiday season.

Massachusetts COVID-19 numbers are trending downward at the moment, but health officials have urged people to stay vigilant until the virus is under control. As of today, over 486,000 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the Commonwealth and the virus has killed just shy of 14,000 state residents.

Encore Casino said in a statement that COVID-19 health and safety measures will continue to be in place, including operating under a 25 percent capacity model, temperature scans at all entrances, mandatory face coverings for all employees and guests, and frequent cleaning and disinfecting of all guest areas.

These changes are pending approval from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission and come as the Commonwealth lifts its stay-at-home advisory and curfew regulations on Monday, Jan. 25.

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