New York State’s gaming field appears to be facing controversial times, as the coronavirus continues making its way through the state. The rather dynamic situation has led to the temporary closing of Empire City Casino in Yonkers while Upstate New York casinos continue their operation. Sanitation and tightened hygiene measures are introduced across the opened casino venues.
New York City issued its official decision to put some limitations to the normal operation of restaurants and bars, as well as cafes in an attempt to make it impossible for individuals to be part of large gatherings. This social distancing is expected to slow down the levels of COVID-19 outbreak and make it easier for the health system of New York State to live up to the expectations and provide everyone with help.
Empire City Casino Closed for Business
Mayor Bill de Blasio issued an official statement mandating that all places attracting larger crowds such as nightclubs, movie theaters, restaurants, and concert halls would have to cease their operation until further notice has been issued. Such a limitation of operation would aim to make it harder for larger gatherings of individuals to enable the spreading of the disease.
March 17 is expected to see the measures come into effect at exactly 9 a.m. local time. Casino venues might not be affected by these safety measures, as it turns out. Empire City Casino in Yonkers is a gambling hall that would be the only venue to close for business. It implemented the measure this Saturday while the remaining casinos continued their regular gaming operation. The closing means 4,700 video lottery terminals would not welcome their patrons.
Early in the morning, the gaming venue issued the information that its gaming floor would not welcome players and that it is expected to recommence operation in 14 days. The gaming venue employs some 1,200 individuals taking care of the individuals interested in gambling activities. It could be recalled that last week saw the closing of Yonkers Raceway.
Commercial Casinos Fortify Hygiene Policy
John Brennan, an individual who worked for the Standardbred Owners Association was one of the first victims of the novel coronavirus. MGM Resorts is the casino operator overseeing the gaming location, who made the official announcement. Since this is a rather dynamic situation, the casino operation would continue closely observing and evaluating the risks of operation, which could postpone the relaunch even further.
In the meantime, commercial and tribal casinos announced their plan for action including sanitation stations and improved hygiene across the casino floors. Oneida Indian Nation announced its COVID-19 Coordinating Committee that would strive to keep an excellent level of hygiene when it comes to the gaming table chips and the cards used for playing. Cards would be replaced once every 24 hours.
Flat surfaces such as table games, gaming devices, and the food areas of the casinos would still be thoroughly cleaned. Del Lago Resort and Casino, Rivers Casino and Resort, Resorts World Catskills and Tioga Downs have also confirmed their extensive caution while continuing their day-to-operation. Casinos are advised to disable part of slot machines clusters, as to ensure a safe distance between players. Table games would also have to have at least one empty chair.
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Author: Yolina
Yolina has followed closely the latest development on the Canadian gaming scene over the past years, monitoring the land-based, lottery, and online offerings up for grabs. The dynamic nature of the local lottery and casino fields, as well as the opportunities lying ahead of Canada fire her enthusiasm for what is to come. A sports betting enthusiast, in her spare time Yolina could be found in her natural habitat – turning the pages of biographies and catching up on the latest stand-up comedy podcasts.