The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
CORONAVIRUS Casinos allowed to reopen Sept. 9
VERNON, N.Y. » The governor has announced that state-run casinos can reopen Sept 9.
Malls in NYC can also reopen with a 50% occupancy limit. Both are subject to strict safety standards.
The announcement comes shortly after State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-I-C-ROME, and Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente urged the state to release guidance for the reopening of Vernon Downs Hotel Casino.
“Enough is enough,” Picente said before the governor’s announcement. “Vernon Downs has a viable plan to reopen and operate safely, but it continues to be left in limbo without any direction from the state. Governor Cuomo owes it to the hundreds of employees who work there, and the other businesses in our community that rely on Vernon Downs, to address their suffering and restore their livelihoods.”
Gov. Andrew Cuomo made the announcement on Sept. 3 that casinos can reopen starting September 9 with a 25% occupancy limit.
Vernon Downs is one of many businesses facing hardship during the pandemic and has not been allowed to reopen since March.
Surrounding gaming venues such as the Turning Stone Casino and other Indian Nation establishments have reopened with restrictions and protocols in place to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. These facilities are tribal and are not subject to state gaming laws like Vernon Downs is.
The casino owner Jeff Gural has indicated that the facility, which employs around 300 people, was at risk of closing for good in October if not allowed to reopen.
Gural recently also reported that his facility would end its harness racing season early due to the casino being closed; there’s no purse money coming from slot machines to keep the racetracks open. It’s unknown whether racing will resume given the governor’s allowance to reopen.
“We recognize that we need to continue to keep safety in mind, and we want to make sure we’re focusing on people’s lives, but we also need to focus on livelihoods at the same time,” Griffo stated prior to the governor’s announcement.
He added that gaming venues in neighboring states and within NYS have been operating with minimal viral spread and have proven they can keep people safe. Both he and Picente agree that state-licensed casinos are deserving of the same opportunity.
The two elected officials say they have had several discussions with Gural, who has submitted an extensive plan to the New York State Gaming Commission that takes into account various precautions to protect the health and safety of their customers while still resuming businesses.
Several added safety measures listed in their reopening plan include frequent sanitation, employee temperature checks, an upgraded HVAC system, and Plexiglass barriers/ shields installed in various employee-guest interaction areas.
Griffo said he hopes to see the hotel and track pick up speed as well.
According to officials, Vernon Downs helps support surrounding businesses and the local economy, bolster New York’s equine industry, and brings in tax revenue that supports local government. Additionally, Griffo’s office reported that Vernon Downs contributes millions of dollars a year to schools.
Beyond all this, Griffo says the venue’s role as a recreational outlet is also important, and with the right protocols in place, it can be a safe place for entertainment.