Still no reopening date in sight for Caesars Windsor
There remains no schedule in sight for Caesars Windsor to reopen its doors, while some American states are poised to jump back into the gaming business within the next several weeks despite the COVID-19 threat.
“There is currently no reopening date in place,” Scott Jenkins, spokesman for Caesars Windsor, said on Tuesday. “We are continuing to monitor the situation and follow the guidance of the provincial government and health authorities.
“As with everyone in the business community, we are looking forward to reopening at the appropriate time when it is safe for our employees and guests and will share our reopening details at that time.”
It has been announced that casinos in Mississippi, Idaho and even one in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula have plans to open their doors before the end of this month or early next month after being shut down for weeks because of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Discussions are also in full swing among industry insiders in Las Vegas — where more than 100,000 employees are out of work and millions of dollars are being lost each day — on what it will take to keep workers safe and ensure customers feel comfortable to return.
There are more than 2,300 local jobs at Caesars Windsor — among 16,000 overall across Ontario — that remain at stake in this new era of social distancing.
Industry-wide conversations have focused on limiting the seating at gaming tables and having a large number of slot machines closed and off-limits to safely spread out customers between machines.
Other safety measures may include chip washers at each table, and even partitions — similar to those being utilized by cashiers at grocery stores — to separate employees from customers or even between gamblers themselves.
Casinos in Las Vegas have discussed handing out personal care kits to each customer that includes sanitizer and wipes.
“Our reopening plans will be the result of extensive discussions and collaboration with all stakeholders including Unifor Local 444, OLG, AGCO and Caesars Entertainment,” Jenkins said.
“These plans will align with the guidance of the federal, provincial and municipal governments and health authorities. Our top priority is the health and safety of our employees and guests.”