The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation and Cache Creek Casino Resort Executive leadership has temporarily cease operations due to concern over the spread of COVID-19.

The announcement Sunday came as other casinos across California also announced their closures.

The Brooks-based resort began closing procedures at 6 a.m., Tuesday. The closure will remain in place while managers assess the situation, according to an announcement made Sunday afternoon.

“We are in unprecedented times, and our first priority must be to ensure the safety of our tribal citizens, guests, employees, and the communities we serve”, said Anthony Roberts, tribal chairman.

“While we are aware of no positive tests for COVID-19 among our staff or guests, strict social distancing is known to be one of the most effective measures to contain this virus and we’ve taken this step to further that protective strategy,” according to a release from the casino.

“We want our guests and players to rest assured they won’t be missing out on any promotions or specials because of this temporary closure,” the statement reads. “Loyalty Club Members can check www.cachecreek.com or the mobile app for more information on their Cache Club offers and benefits.”

The casino is one of the largest employers in Yolo County, and managers state they are “profoundly aware that thousands of employees rely on us. We are making plans to continue paying our work-force despite this closure, and to continue their health benefits without interruption.”

The Yocha Dehe Fire Department will remain operational to provide safety services throughout the region. The on-property gas station and market will also remain open to serve the community.

“Additionally, it is our intention to make perishables and other supplies that would go unused during this closure available for community use through our partner charities in Yolo County,” according to the statement.

“We are determined to keep our expansion plans on-track despite this closure,” according to the statement. “Once conditions improve, we will be unveiling an ambitious remodel featuring 459 additional hotel rooms, a new concert venue, added meeting spaces, new restaurants, and a new pool complex.”

The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation has been in contact with federal, state and county health officials for weeks, getting frequent updates on COVID-19 so that it can make “well-informed operational decisions. Our on-staff health professionals have been evaluating the most current advice and considering the Governor’s guidance for protecting communities.”

The tribe reported it will seek guidance from the Yolo County Public Health Department and the California Department of Public Health.

“We sincerely believe that taking this difficult step today is in the public good, and that it also will return our guests, players and employees to their normal lives more quickly in the long run,” the statement reads. “During this closure, we will continue to keep the public updated on developments.”

In Southern California, The San Manuel Casino in Highland announced on Sunday it was shutting down. San Manuel was one of the first casinos to announce a plan for a temporary closure over the weekend, but soon they were joined by several other casinos on tribal land, including Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Augustine Casino in Coachella, Casino Pauma in Pauma Valley and Harrah’s Resort Southern California in Valley Center.

The decision by some tribal casinos to close follows days of closures by casinos and card rooms in Los Angeles County.

And even as California casinos closed, Las Vegas resorts also announced their plans to shutter, with MGM Resorts, owner of several Las Vegas Strip properties such as the MGM Grand, Bellagio and the Mirage, announcing that they would be closed starting Tuesday. Resorts in Reno also announced that they were closing.

Many of the casinos issued statements saying that they were closing in the interest of guest and employee safety.