EB Games has closed all its Canadian locations after facing major backlash for a video game release that spurred line-ups, despite calls for social distancing amidst COVID-19. 

Hundreds of people lined up outside the EB Games location in downtown Toronto yesterday to get their hands on console games Animal Crossing and Doom Eternal. 

The public gathering happened less than 24 hours after Toronto's Chief Medical Officer called for all non-essential businesses across the city to close. 

pic.twitter.com/8j6d0vPZkj

— EB Games Canada 👾 (@EBGamesCanada) March 21, 2020

EB Games came under fire for allowing customers to line up en masse, despite global calls for social distancing—which, aside from staying at home, recommends keeping at least 2 meters away from others—to help curb the growing number of Ontario COVID-19 cases. 

The chain released a statement yesterday, shortly after a wave of criticism from social media users and public figures alike, announcing that it would be closing all its Canadian stores by end of day Friday. 

"Like many retailers, we will continue to monitor COVID-19 closely with the commitment to open again at a time we feel both our team
and customers are safe." 

Today is the day! #AnimalCrossingNewHorizons is here and we couldn’t be more excited!

Le jour est arrivé! Animal Crossing New Horizons est arrivé et nous sommes si heureux! https://t.co/k1BA0jwjGU pic.twitter.com/MpoUUFv676

— EB Games Canada 👾 (@EBGamesCanada) March 20, 2020

In the meantime, gamers can still place orders through the EB Games website. 

"Our Distribution team has implemented improved distancing measures, incremental sanitation stations and equipment for enhanced safety," says the company.