Arizona casinos to reopen with new sanitation measures
PHOENIX (AP) — Several Arizona casinos have announced plans to reopen as early as this week, after about two months of silent slot machines, empty card tables and closed doors because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Many expect to implement new sanitation measures to curtail the spread of COVID-19.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.
State health officials on Tuesday reported 20 additional COVID-19 deaths, raising the reported total to at least 562. There were at least 11,736 reported cases.
Fort McDowell Casino near Fountain Hills, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Hotel and Casino in Maricopa, Lone Butte in Chandler, Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, and Vee Quiva in Laveen are all scheduled to reopen Friday. That is the same day Republican Gov. Doug Ducey’s stay-at-home order is set to expire.
Fort McDowell Casino plans to reopen in stages, with blackjack returning Friday and bingo returning May 22, the Arizona Republic reported. Visitors are expected to be temperature-checked before they are allowed to enter and must practice social distancing.
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Hotel and Casino also plans to reopen in stages with social distancing guidelines while the poker room, spa and fitness center among other amenities will remain closed.
Desert Diamond West Valley Casino in Glendale, Bucky’s Casino and Yavapai Casino in Prescott Valley have not yet announced when they will reopen, KNXV-TV reported.
Mazatzal Hotel & Casino in Payson plans to reopen on Saturday, according to its website, but those reopening plans have not been officially announced.
Talking Stick Resort and Casino and Casino Arizona near Scottsdale previously announced they would remain closed through May. Cliff Castle Casino in Camp Verde and Twin Arrows Casino Resort in Flagstaff remain closed until further notice.
The state Department of Gaming said each casino’s decision to close was decided individually by each sovereign tribal nation.
In other developments:
— A Glendale nursing home has had at least 38 residents test positive for COVID-19 with at least seven deaths among them, officials said. Cases so have been limited to the skilled nursing unit of Glencroft Center for Modern Aging, which also has independent living.
Glencroft also had 31 employees test positive though 15 of those returned to work after twice testing negatively, spokeswoman Mille Oakson said.
— Nearly all of the people who had been staying at a Flagstaff homeless shelter were provided shelter in 175 rooms in motels by Monday night, the Arizona Daily Sun reported.
Flagstaff Shelter Services officials decided Thursday to relocate clients after testing last week showed that 30% of clients and staff tested positive.
“I don’t know how we’re going to pay for it. I don’t know how we’re going to sustain it in a way that’s meaningful to flattening the curve or doing what we need to do, but it’s what has to happen,” said Director Ross Altenbaugh said.
— The state court system is being told to plan to transition back to in-person proceedings beginning June 1. An administrative order by state Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert Brutinel told courts to resume in-person proceedings where possible but to also continuing to hold some hearings virtually.
Staff and visitors will be required to wear masks, staff will undergo health screenings, and anyone who refuses to wear a mask will be denied entry to the courts, the Arizona Capitol Times reported.
