New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced on Twitter today that Atlantic City casinos will be able to reopen 2 July at 25% capacity with “simple safeguards” in place. The governor added that he will not “tolerate any knuckleheads trying to ruin it for those who wish to enjoy themselves responsibly.”
In addition, Gov. Murphy said, effective immediately, outdoor gatherings may now increase from 100 to 250 persons maximum and indoor gatherings are limited to 25% capacity, without exceeding 100 persons. He added in the Twitter thread that New Jersey is one of only four states on track to “contain #COVID19.”
“This proves that the measures we put in place, and the hard decisions we made, were the right ones.” he wrote.
Earlier this month, two prominent Atlantic City casinos got ahead of the game and announced that they already had reopening plans and new safety protocols in place.
Resort Casino Hotel developed a “Play Safe, Work Safe” plan that includes a “significant capital investment to improve air quality.” In addition, casino and hotel elevators will be limited to a maximum occupancy of four people, employees will be required to wear masks, only every other slot machine will be available for play and there will be limited seating at all table games.
Another casino on the famed Boardwalk, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Atlantic City, revealed a “Safe + Sound” reopening plan, including the requirement “for all to wear masks and have their temperature scanned with thermal imaging technology before entering the property.”
Additionally, the new resort, which celebrated its grand opening along with neighboring Ocean Resort Casino two years ago this month, will have “increased quality of air circulation and “appropriate social distancing requirements in gaming and nongaming areas” that will include over 750 signs posted throughout the complex and more than 200 hand sanitizer dispensers placed in all “high-traffic, high-visibility areas such as key guest and team member entrances and contact areas.”
“Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming have made a tremendous commitment to sanitary protocols and a safety-first mentality for both guests and team members,” said Jim Allen, CEO of Seminole Gaming and Chairman of Hard Rock International. “We are making sure our resorts are safe and sound so our guests and team members have peace of mind when they return.”