The Muckleshoot Casino in Auburn has laid off employees and put others on furlough as the facility remains closed through at least May 4 because of the COVID-19 outbreak.

“The unavoidable reality, however, is that with the temporary closure of the Muckleshoot Casino our workforce is impacted,” casino officials posted last week on the Muckleshoot Facebook page. “Unfortunately, we are announcing workforce layoffs and furloughs at Muckleshoot Casino to ensure the successful path to normal, safe operations.”

A Muckleshoot Tribe spokesman declined to give details to the Auburn Reporter about the number of employees laid off or furloughed.

“Our hearts here at Muckleshoot Casino go out to all of those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,” according to the Facebook post. “We look forward to that day when we will say, ‘Welcome. We are open again. We have missed you.’ We know that each of you have had to adjust your lives and those of your families to ensure the health and well-being of not only yourselves and your loved ones but those in the greater community.”

The Muckleshoot Tribal Council and Casino executives will continue to monitor all governmental restrictions and guidelines. Once those are eased, the casino will reopen.

“It is with the continued well-being of a people and community in mind that we are extending our temporary closure through at least May 4,” casino leaders said.

For updates, go to muckleshootcasino.com/keepingyouinformed/.