The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) as a pandemic. This virus is mainly dangerous for the elderly and for those who have preexisting conditions. The virus is spreading quite quickly and some reports have already been made in Montreal. In order to stop it from spreading and for the sake of the ones at risk, we are taking the necessary precautions.
As of Sunday the 15th, 2020 we have been ordered to close down. This will last until April 30th, 2020. This measure has been taken on all non-essential public spaces to slow down the spread of the virus. With this technique, less people will be in contact with each other and the virus will travel less. It also stretches out the length of the pandemic, making it more manageable for our healthcare system who will deal with it for a longer, but with less people at a time, avoiding a complete breakdown of hospitals.
While we are closed, many of our employees will be left with little to no hours. While we try to come up with shifts for them in the construction and development department, there is so much we can do with no sales being made.
On March 14th, we had been testing our newest game and it’s almost ready to play. By the time our doors are open, you will be able to try out Mind Game at A/Maze Atwater. While we wait, why not support us by buying a gift certificate for the game? All sales made from these cards will go directly to our game master’s salary to try and help those who live alone and have no other source of revenue in their household. You can also get one for our next game at our brand new A/Maze Old Port: Tesla’s Enigmas! Both games have their gift certificates at a discounted price.
It might seem counter-intuitive, but to stop this pandemic, we just need to all follow a few simple rules. Try not to touch objects that are shared with others and avoid touching your face. Avoid travelling and big crowds as much as possible and if you can, stay at home.
An important thought to keep in mind is not to panic. One of the most dangerous elements of this pandemic is the hysteria that it has caused. Stores have been ransacked, unnecessary measures have been taken and certain minority groups have been victims of discrimination out of pure ignorance. If you want more information on the measures to take, check out Quebec’s Health Care Website. If you think you have the virus, stay isolated and contact the following number: 1.877.644.4545.
Be reassured, these are precautionary measures. Most people who have the virus recover by simply staying at home, with symptoms no harsher than the common cold. Our closing and all other measures taken are simply to slow down the spread and avoid it reaching the people who are truly at risk.