The Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise has announced that it will reopen two of its four casinos that have been closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The move comes as the Navajo Nation is easing restrictions on business as the number of infections is trending down from the highs that had driven the lockdown.
Initially only those who live on the reservation that covers Arizona, New Mexico and Utah, will be permitted to enter the casinos, which include Fire Rock and Northern Edge. The casinos will be kept open on a provisional status, to determine if it is wise to reopen the other two that are in Arizona.
They will reopen at 25 percent capacity and no food or drink service. All employees will be tested for Covid before they are allowed to return to work.
Patrons will have their temperatures tested as they enter and asked to provide contact information for health purposes and to ensure they are reservation residents. Two hours on Tuesday and Wednesdays will be set aside for elders.
Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise Interim CEO Brian Parrish commented March 17, “What it’s intended to do is demonstrate that all our safety protocols, which we know are very, very comprehensive, are in place, the program is going to work and keep everyone safe, and then we can open it to a broader audience later.”
