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Woman booted from bingo for failing to cover neck hole used to breathe

A man is furious after he claims his mum was turned away from playing bingo because she wouldn’t cover up a breathing hole in her neck.

BJ Gilbert, from Ontario in Canada, wrote on Facebook on Sunday his mum Elaine Arbeau, 67, was stuck in lockdown for six months until Delta Bingo Pickering reopened recently.

Ms Arbeau has “battled many types of cancers over the last 20 years”, her son wrote, and now has a hole in her neck to help her breathe.

Elaine Arbeau, 67, is pictured wiping tears from her eye.
Elaine Arbeau, 67, wasn't allowed into the bingo hall because she wouldn't cover up a hole in her neck she uses to breathe. Source: Facebook/ BJ Gilbert

“Like most people she too was excited to go play and see her friends again,” he wrote.

“However when she went to Delta Bingo Pickering, she was told to leave by management if she didn't cover up the hole on her neck.

“Well she explained that was impossible to do so. That's how she breathes.”

A manager escorted her outside and after a brief conversation offered her to go back in, but Ms Arbeau was upset and left.

“My mum was beside herself and floored,” Mr Gilbert wrote.

He added his mum got in touch with Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation and claims Ms Arbeau was given the green light to go in.

However she tried again on Saturday but was turned away due to the neck hole.

“You’re unable to enter the premises without covering your neck,” a staff member tells her in video uploaded by Mr Gilbert.

She tries to inform the staff member the OLG said it was OK to which he replies, “Unfortunately, this is private property”.

Delta Bingo CEO Cam Johnston told CTV News he’s yet to make a decision on whether the 67-year-old should be allowed in.

He said staff safety is integral and he wants all employees and patrons wearing masks.

Mr Gilbert said "what they did was wrong”.

"The hole can’t be covered because that's how she breathes, she doesn't breathe through her mouth or nose,” he told CTV News.

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