Caesars Entertainment has proposed a phased reopening of its casino resorts in four markets, the company announced May 11.
In a statement released concurrent with first-quarter earnings, Caesars said the particulars would be based on business demand, and only when permitted by regulators or tribal governments. The company has come up with a “comprehensive health and safety program,” according to CDC Gaming Reports.
The initial schedule would include nine Las Vegas resorts, three properties in Atlantic City, two in Lake Tahoe, and the Harrah’s and Horseshoe properties in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
During a conference call, CEO Tony Rodio added that Louisiana could reopen by Memorial Day weekend and that North Carolina in a few weeks.
Rodio said the first property set to open back up would be Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and at least one other on the Strip, followed by the others.
If there is no spike in Covid-19 cases in Nevada following the phased reopening, Rodio suggested Strip properties could come back online before the end of May.
Caesars said the company will increase staffing and open other amenities such as restaurants and live entertainment “in line with consumer demand and guidance from public health authorities.”
“We are implementing new protocols focused on the well-being of our team members, guests, and communities to create environments with high standards and physical distancing practices,” Rodio said in a statement. “We are working closely with public health authorities, gaming regulators, and infectious disease specialists to design our plan.”
These include enhanced cleaning and sanitization of public spaces and guest rooms; social distancing practices; required employee masks. Some employees, such as housekeeping and security, may receive gloves.
The company will limit table game positions and slot machines, and spaces where guests or employees queue, including check-in, elevator lobbies, taxi lines, employee break rooms, and cafeterias, will be clearly marked for appropriate social distancing.
Caesars will also implement a health screening program for all employees.
