Navajo Gaming officials say they plan to open all tribal-run casinos by the middle of the month.
The four properties that include Twin Arrows near Flagstaff and three others in New Mexico were closed in March because of the coronavirus pandemic, and have since undergone a deep biohazard cleaning.
“Within the next two weeks, we hope to have all our team members returning back to work in a sterile clean environment with training on the use of PPEs and COVID-19 mitigation protocols according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines,” said Quincy Natay, Chairman, Board of Directors Navajo Gaming, in a press release.
The casinos have implemented pre-opening plans and will issue protective equipment to staff and mandate employee training. They’ll also enforce physical distancing measures and check the temperatures of all employees and patrons before they’re allowed to enter casinos.
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- Talking Stick Resort and Casino and Casino Arizona, both located near Scottsdale, will reopen on June 1, a spokesperson confirmed to ABC15.The casinos previously announced that they would not.
- SALT RIVER PIMA-MARICOPA INDIAN COMMUNITY, Ariz. (May 28, 2020) Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort, enterprises owned and operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian.
CASINO ARIZONA AND TALKING STICK RESORT TO REOPEN ON JUNE 1
After nearly two months of silent slot machines and empty card tables, several Arizona casinos are starting to reopen their doors — with new sanitation measures in place to ward off COVID-19. Casino Arizona — Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community: March 31, 2020: Talking Stick Casino — Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community: March 31, 2020: For McDowell Casino — Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation: April 2, 2020: Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino – Ak-Chin Indian Community: April 4, 2020: Casino Del Sol – Pascua Yaqui Tribe: April.
Each property to launch new safety policies as part of soft, phased opening
SALT RIVER PIMA-MARICOPA INDIAN COMMUNITY, Ariz. (May 28, 2020) Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort, enterprises owned and operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC), will reopen at Noon on Monday, June 1, 2020. As part of their soft, phased openings, each will open at a limited capacity and with significant health and safety measures in place. Among them include temperature checks, the use of personal protective equipment and social distancing. The properties will also temporarily eliminate smoking, a step combined with the others that they hope will mitigate any potential spread of novel coronavirus amongst guests and employees.
“We are excited to welcome back not only our loyal guests but also our employees, both of whom have been so patient and supportive throughout this closure,” said Ramon Martinez, director of public relations for Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort. “We took great care and the necessary time to implement a phased reopening plan with new protocols that will keep their health and safety top of mind across all facets of our operations.”
Leveraging directives from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and guidelines from state and local officials, the first phase of Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort’s opening will require that guests and employees have their temperatures taken upon entry. Should a guest or employee’s temperature be at or above 100.4 degrees, they will not be allowed entry. Masks will also be required while inside the properties. Additionally, smoking has been temporarily prohibited at each location to limit mask contamination, though there will be designated outside smoking areas for guest use.
Social distancing has also been implemented throughout each property. At Talking Stick Resort, the number of available hotel rooms will be reduced with no access to adjoining rooms. Further, a reduced number of restaurants will be open with limited grab and go food and beverage menus. At Casino Arizona, The Coffee Station, Salt River Café and the Bingo Hall will be open, while Talking Stick Resort will open Black Fig, Blue Coyote Café and Ocean Trail for take away dining. No seating will be available within the restaurants. Moreover, elevators will be limited to four people per ride and valet services will be temporarily unavailable.
Tucson Arizona Casino Reopen
On the casino floor, plexiglass has been installed between slot machines, while others have been taken out of service in order to observe appropriate social distancing. Plexiglass has also been installed at table games for guest and employee safety. In addition to acrylic dividers, limited capacity will also be practiced at the table games, in our Bingo Hall at Casino Arizona and in the ARENA Poker Room at Talking Stick Resort.
In addition to these physical changes, Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort will continue intensified cleaning policies with an increased focus on high-touch, high-traffic areas such as; slot machines, tables, door handles, buttons, and kiosks. Further, designated internal and external teams are in place to implement those policies. Hand sanitizing stations will also continue to be available for guest use.
“Our goal in reopening is to provide our guests with some much-needed escapism and the fun we have all been lacking in recent months,” said Martinez. “In order to so, it was crucial that we took the extra time to ensure our employees and guests may return to an environment where they can feel comfortable and secure. We believe we have accomplished that, but with any situation as fluid as this pandemic, we will continue to monitor and take any necessary additional steps to protect the health and safety of our guests and employees.”
Casino Arizona
Located in Scottsdale, Ariz. at the Loop 101 Freeway and McKellips Rd., Casino Arizona is independently owned and operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. For 20 years, the property has offered visitors more than 100,000 square feet devoted to gaming, dining and entertainment.
Talking Stick Resort
Talking Stick Resort (TSR) is a AAA Four Diamond Rated Resort and a central landmark within the emerging Talking Stick Cultural and Entertainment Destination (TSCED). Located in Scottsdale, Ariz., just east of the Loop 101 on Talking Stick Way, TSR is locallyowned and caringly operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. The property offers culturally rich experiences and luxury accommodations throughout its 496 deluxe rooms, 240,000 sq. ft. property, 11 restaurants and lounges, world-class spa, 650-seat showroom, 25,000 sq. ft. grand ballroom, thriving cultural center and more than 100,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor meeting space.
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