Canterbury Park has announced that they have suspending operations due to Corona Virus concerns. Here is their press release:
Shakopee, Minn. — Canterbury Park Holding Corporation announced today that based on the advice of state and regulatory bodies, it will be temporarily suspending all card casino, simulcast, and special events operations at Canterbury Park at noon today, March 16, 2020 in response to concerns about COVID-19. Company officials determined this voluntary suspension of activities is in the best interest of the health and safety of its guests and team members and will provide the company an opportunity to review and update operational best practices and strategies based on what is currently known about this public health situation.
“We are taking this serious step to temporarily suspend operations to ensure the safety and well-being of our team members and guests and to allow our team time to adjust to the climate we are all operating in,” Randy Sampson, Canterbury Park President and CEO, said. “We will continue to monitor developments, relying on information and advice from the Minnesota Department of Health and other government resources, and will make a decision on reopening at the appropriate time.” A number of management and administrative employees will continue to work either remotely or at the Canterbury Park facilities during this period.
The company will pay all regularly scheduled employees two weeks wages and will also allow them to use any accrued paid time off. Canterbury Park, located in Shakopee, Minnesota, currently has 272 full-time and 624 part-time employees.
Canterbury officials are unaware of any reports of COVID-19 at the property.
“We care about our dedicated Canterbury family of employees, recognizing that this is beyond our collective control and will cause inconveniences for many of them,” Sampson said. “Our goal is to reopen as soon as possible. Meanwhile, we are hopeful the Minnesota Legislature and federal government will take appropriate measures to assist Minnesota companies and affected employees during this difficult time.
“We will continue to communicate directly with our employees and the greater Canterbury Park community as we become aware of new developments and will post updated information on our website as it becomes available.”
