Tribal officials in Oklahoma recently announced casinos operated by the Chickasaw, Cherokee, Choctaw and Muscogee (Creek) nations will remain closed at least through May 15. Casino workers at these tribes’ casinos will continue to be paid. All of the 130 casinos owned by nearly three dozen Oklahoma tribes closed in March in response to Covid-19. Each tribal government will determine when to reopen.
Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby said besides casinos, Chickasaw Nation businesses, historic sites and offices also will remain closed through May 15 but Chickasaw Travel Stops will remain open as a public service. “Health professionals advise that recent measures enacted to help mitigate the spread of the virus are beginning to work because of widespread participation. Health professionals also advise to take a cautious approach toward reopening in order to preserve recent gains and prevent a resurgence in new cases,” Anoatubby said.
He added Chickasaw leaders continue to monitor Covid-19 data and are working to “develop a comprehensive plan for a phased reopening of our operations while being mindful of protecting public health.”
Choctaw Nation spokeswoman Kristina Humenesky said tribal casinos will remain closed at least through May 15. She said, “Our top priority is the health and safety of our guests, associates, vendors, entertainment partners and individuals in the communities. We are still developing a plan in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to make sure when we open associates and guests will be safe.”
Cherokee Nation spokesman Brandon Scott said, “We’re still weighing everything and trying to determine when to reopen.”
