Okada Manila, one of several integrated resorts in the Philippine’s Entertainment City casino zone, has announced it is using onsite robotic cleaning machines to disinfect the property, as part of its safe-operations response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Once the resort fully reopens, guests can expect to see the ‘Ben Ben’ robot doing its job in keeping Okada Manila safe and clean,” the company announced.
According to GGRAsia, Okada Manila parent Universal Entertainment Corp. said the temporary closure of IRs in the Entertainment City zone, in effect since March 15, has been “partially lifted,” with permission to operate at 30 percent capacity.
City of Dreams Manila, a Melco Resorts & Entertainment property, said last week that it’s currently undergoing a “trial run” in preparation for full reopening.
Ivaylo Ivanov, senior vice president of hotel operations at Okada Manila, said the robots are “very efficient.” The announcement said Ben Ben had been programmed to be able to speak to any guests within range of its relevant sensors. Ivanov said the robot could cover “large public spaces on pre-programmed routes in high-traffic areas, as well as individual rooms and suites.”
The Ben Ben model is said to be equipped to sanitize large rooms or large-scale areas of the property, using a high-intensity ultraviolet light C (UV-C). another robot, called the BJDG-XD100 is also on site, said the notice. The latter eliminates bacteria and germs through “misting or fogging” functions. “Like the Ben Ben, it also has UV capabilities to ensure thorough disinfection,” added the notice.
“The resort’s entrances now have high-end disinfection chambers that sanitize each person who enters the enclosure, effectively removing the threat of possible risks that may be transmitted through close contact. Thermal scanners are also deployed at each entrance to safely monitor each guest’s body temperature upon their arrival.”
City of Dreams COO Kevin Benning said the trial run, “as permitted by PAGCOR, with invited guests at 30 percent capacity, continues, enabling us to fine-tune our services in compliance with government guidelines.”
Benning said CoD’s restaurants will also open at 30 percent, along with its
Nuwa, Nobu and Hyatt Regency hotels. “The DreamWorks-inspired family entertainment center DreamPlay, the Garage VR Zone and food park and our two spas will subsequently follow.
“In compliance with government regulations,” he continued, “we have stringent measures to maintain the safety and health of our guests and colleagues against Covid-19. Our colleagues are provided with hygiene kits and vitamins,”, and will be asked to observe social distancing in the workplace.
Checked-in guests are also to be provided with “an amenity kit consisting of two, 3-ply face masks, disinfectant wipes and alcohol, along with two face shields,” added the COO. And a team of Health Safety Ambassadors will be “closely monitoring and guiding guests” at all hours, regarding “the practice of physical distancing and other hygiene measures.”
A research paper from Singapore-based Smartkarma Innovations said Melco Resorts is “well-positioned to speed its revenue recovery cycle because it has strong footprints in both Macau and Manila.”
