The Niagara Speedway Track Has Closed After Staff Tested Positive For COVID-19
If you're looking to experience some Mario Kart-level excitement, you might have to stick to the video games for a while. The popular, multilevel Niagara Speedway has closed after an employee tested positive for COVID-19 last month. The Speedway has now halted operations while self-isolation periods are underway.
After just a month of being open, Niagara's real-life Mario Kart style race track has closed its doors.
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The attraction revealed that on July 20, they were informed that an employee had tested positive for COVID-19 by the Niagara Regional Health Department.
The Speedway confirmed that the affected employee had followed all safety protocols during shifts, including wearing a mask.
The racetrack has now temporarily closed to allow for periods of self-isolation.
"Out of an abundance of caution, we have on our own, made the decision to close the Niagara Speedway until the contact tracing and self isolation periods are completed and all Speedway team members are tested before returning to work," the Speedway said in a statement.
The four-acre, four-storey track introduced a number of safety protocols for its reopening on June 26.
Staff are required to wear PPE including masks, gloves, and face shields.
The helmets are run through a sanitizing machine after each use, and all go-karts are wiped down as well.
The number of karts on the course has been limited, and no more than one driver and one passenger are allowed in a single kart.
There are also physical distancing markings and hand sanitizer for additional safety.
On July 18, a video emerged of massive crowds lining up to get into the speedway, with seemingly no physical distancing.
Last week, Niagara introduced the idea of "Crush the Curve" ambassadors, who will patrol the Clifton Hills area to ensure visitors are following safety protocols.
It looks like you'll have to wait a little while before hopping on this epic go-kart adventure.