Officials in the Jackson County Department of Public Health in North Carolina said a Covid-19 cluster was identified at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino in Cherokee. The employees work in the table games area. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines a cluster as a minimum of five cases in a shared environment during a 2-week period.
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Regional General Manager Brooks Robinson said, “Based on information provided by the employees and video surveillance records, no other employees or customers have been identified as close contacts as defined by the CDC. Additionally, all employees who test positive, show symptoms or have had close contact with someone who has tested positive have been directed not to come to work and to self-isolate.” Robinson added local health officials still are “working to identify any additional close contacts of these employees.”
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino shut down in March following an executive order from Governor Roy Cooper. It reopened on May 28 at 30 percent capacity with new health and safety protocols in accordance with state and tribal guidelines.
Robinson stated, “Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos remain committed to the well-being of our employees and customers. Enhanced health and safety protocols in place since reopening include training of our entire team of over 3,000 employees on cleaning and sanitizing techniques, the proper use of PPE and mandatory wearing of face masks by employees and customers.”
