The Gun Lake Casino has decided to shut down temporarily in the middle of public fears about the spread of the Coronavirus.

Officials announced Saturday that the facility will close at 1 a.m. Monday, March 16, until 9 a/.m. Monday, March 30, in an attempt to reduce likelihood of the virus spreading. Earlier, they had announced the buffet would be replaced by employees doing the serving, but eventually decided to shut down altogether.

It was the first time the casino was shuttered since it opened at Exit No. 61 (Bradley) on the U.S.-131 expressway in February 2011.

A casino spokesperson said, “In the best interest of the Gun Lake Casino community, all casino events, including promotions are canceled during this period.

“Gun Lake Casino will be utilizing this time to conduct an extensive and rigorous deep clean of the entire facility. All public and administrative areas will be thoroughly cleansed and disinfected using advanced hospital grade procedures and solutions. Protecting the health and safety of our guests and team members is of utmost importance and our main priority. While there is no requirement to close, we believe in doing our part to prevent of the spread of COVID-19.

“All updates regarding Gun Lake Casino’s schedule to reopen will be posted on the Gun Lake Casino Website at: www.gunlakecasino.com.”