Wynn's Encore Boston Harbor opens COVID-19 vaccine clinic

The state's newest casino, a $2.6 billion gambling hall in the Encore Boston Harbor hotel in Everett Massachusetts has been transformed into a COVID-19 vaccination site. The site, which is run by Cambridge Health Alliance is operating with the capacity to administer approximately 350 shots per day, reports the NECN.

The Moderna vaccine is available now to employees and Massachusetts residents of ages 18 and older. Vaccinations are being given from 8.30am to 3.30pm, Monday through Friday and appointments are available on the state-run vaccine-finder website or by calling the Cambridge Health Alliance vaccination hotline at (617) 665-2100.

Loretta Lillios, the Director of the Commission's Investigations and Enforcement Bureau said during a Mass. Gaming Commission meeting on Monday morning that among the state's three gambling centers, there has been "continued adherence to the measures that have been put in place for health and safety and they really haven't let up".

She said that there have been no issues of concern in recent weeks, though she told commissioners that MGM Springfield had stepped in to break up a party that the casino learned was planned for its hotel.

"Late last week, they were able to intervene in what would have been a party, a large indoor gathering" said Lillios. "That did not happen, their measures allowed them to intervene on that".

Bruce Band, the Assistant Director said that Friday, April 16 and Friday, April 23 were the two busiest days for Plainridge Park Casino, topping out at 31% occupancy. Adittionally, for Encore and MGM, Saturday, April 17 and Saturday, April 24 were the busiest days.

According to Band, MGM hit 21 % occupancy both Saturdays and Encore maxed out at 19% each day.

All three gaming centers have been open since July with limits on the number of guests, masking requirements, plexiglass installed between gaming positions, a limited offering of table games and no poker rooms.