They also will have the option to apply for paid leave.

They will not be permitted to return to work until their test comes back negative, according to a statement from Gila River Hotels & Casinos. If an employee believes they have been exposed to the virus, they will be quarantined for 48 hours and tested for COVID-19. They also will be tested for the virus every two weeks. At-risk employees will receive a paid leave of absence. Workers will receive ongoing training to protect themselves and patrons. The new measures also include new provisions for employees at Gila Rivers Hotels & Casinos.Īll properties went through an extensive deep-cleaning process, including back-of-house areas where staff members work, according to the statement. 'We believe that the safety protocols that we are employing will create a safe environment for our guests and team members.' Staff safety 'We are doing everything we can during these unprecedented times to safeguard public health while also continuing to provide for our team members and the greater community,' Manuel said. He said leaders at Gila River Hotels & Casinos will be continuously reviewing their plan and updating it to adhere to best practices. Kenneth Manuel, chief executive officer of Gila River Gaming Enterprises, said in a statement the new measures go beyond guidelines laid out by Arizona's Department of Health Services and U.S. New sanitation stations on casino floors.Ī new cleaning alert system on all slot machines, which allows customers to request their machine be wiped down before use. Reduced occupancy and redesigned gaming floors to ensure physical distancing. Mandatory face coverings for staff and patrons. Mandatory temperature checks for employees and customers. New safety measures at the casinos will include:Ĭleaning and disinfecting closure between 2 a.m. Now, the casinos will implement some of the strictest measures of tribal gaming enterprises in the Valley. on June 18, with casino and tribal leaders announcing they would remain shuttered for two weeks while additional safety measures were considered. Doug Ducey's stay-at-home order for Arizona expired.Ĭasino leaders promised to institute new safety measures when they reopened, including encouraging patrons to wear masks.īut the casinos closed again at 2 a.m.

The Gila River casinos then reopened May 15, when Gov. The casinos, which are run by Gila River Indian Community, initially shut down because of COVID-19 in mid-March. Leaders at Gila River Hotels & Casinos declined The Arizona Republic's repeated requests to confirm the number of employees who had tested positive for COVID-19 at the time, saying they would not disclose the information to 'protect the privacy' of their workers.įor more stories that matter, subscribe to.

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