The decision came after thorough evaluation and enhancement of the Gila River Gaming Enterprise’s safety plan in coordination with the Gila River Indian Community Council and input from team members, according to the release.
Gila River Gaming Enterprise Inc. has outlined a comprehensive reopening and safety plan for use throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the release. The plan incorporates guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Arizona Department of Health Services and the Gila River Indian Community.
“These enhanced health and safety measures go beyond CDC and AZDHS guidelines,” said Kenneth Manuel, the CEO of Gila River Gaming Enterprise Inc. “The safety of our valued team members and guests are our priority. As a major employer, entertainment provider, and revenue contributor to the Gila River Indian Community and the State of Arizona, we are committed to excellence. We will continue to adapt and enhance our safety measures to provide the highest level of care and service for our team members and guests. 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. We continue to mourn the loss of our team member, Robert Washington, and our deepest sympathies and prayers are with his family and loved ones. We believe that the safety protocols that we are employing will create a safe environment for our guests and team members."
Enhanced and additional health and safety measures include:
- All properties will be nonsmoking with designated smoking areas.
- Casino will be closed from 2 a.m.-10 a.m. daily for deep cleaning.
- At-risk team members will be provided a paid leave of absence.
- COVID-19 testing for team members will be conducted every two weeks.
- Team members and guests will receive mandatory temperature checks upon arrival.
- Face coverings/masks will be mandatory for all team members and guests.
- There will be extensive disinfection procedures.
- The best available training will be provided to protect workers and all visitors.
- Guests will be advised to practice physical distancing.
- Casino floors and gaming tables have been redesigned to ensure physical distancing and reduced occupancy.
- Plexiglass separation enhancements will be placed on slot machines.
- There will be 100 total sanitation stations on the gaming floor and back of house with bright green signage.
- A new “Cleaning Alert System” on all slots allows guests to alert a cleaning ambassador if they would like their slot machine cleaned.
- Increased cleaning will be conducted by ambassador team members.
- External cleaning company Landcorp. deep-cleaned all properties, including back-of-house team member areas.
- There will be ongoing training for continuous and rigorous sanitation measures as best practices evolve.