Carson City casinos adjust to new social distancing procedures
Local customers visited Carson City area casinos on reopening day Thursday, June 4 with new guidelines and safety measures put in place.
After a statewide shutdown in March due to COVID-19, casinos were allowed to resume operations Thursday under safety rules established by the Center for Disease Control and Nevada Gaming Control Board.
The newly remodeled Carson Nugget opened its doors at 8 a.m. to celebrate its 66th year. Slots, games and restaurants were open to the public. CEO Dean DiLullio was happy to see employees and customers get back to a sense of normal.
“It was an exceptional day. Everyone really enjoyed being back,” DiLullio said. “The Nugget was buzzing with excitement and it was good just to get back into the swing of things.”
DiLullio said that customers inside The Carson Nugget followed the safety provisions set by the CDC and Nevada Gaming Control Board. According to DiLullio, visitors were at a safe social distance of at least six feet apart from one another in all gaming areas and restaurants.
He also said that many customers wore the optional masks that were available on site by the casino. Employees wore protective masks and gloves while helping answer any questions about the Nugget’s new safety procedures.
“I was pleasantly surprised by how many people followed the rules and general guidelines,” DiLullio said. “And overall, it was a fun night without any drama.”
The Casino Fandango reopened at 8 a.m. with new kitchen improvements and bar countertops for guests to enjoy. It was a memorable night for manager Court Cardinal and other team members.
“It went exceptionally well,” Cardinal said. “People were extremely excited to get out and game and eat. There were lots of smiles and we all enjoyed ourselves.”
The Fandango instituted various safety measures to its establishment. Customers had their temperature checked at the entrance using infrared thermometers. Plexiglass shields and health signage was posted in all gaming areas and restaurants around the casino.
Cardinal said that slots were at 50 percent capacity to enforce social distancing rules. Chairs were removed to secure a six-foot distance from each other. Families were allowed to play next to each other, but a six-foot distance separated them and another person outside their household.
Cardinal also said that employees wore the required masks and gloves with no issue. Guests wore the available masks on occasion, as well.
“They were very cooperative and no one had any issues getting their temperature taken,” he said. “Employees had no issue with their equipment and helped out any person with social distancing questions. I was pleased that there were no issues and everyone was safe while having a good time.”
Max Casino opened at 6 a.m. and kicked things off with a Tears of Joy hotseats and seven-time multiplier events. Black Bear Diner also offered early bird specials throughout the week.
Edye Kaplan, Marketing Director for Max Casino, said employees received several compliments from guests about their sanitizing of bars, chairs, seats, tables along with gaming and restaurant areas.
“We try to sanitize and clean every area of the casino,” she said. “In the times we’re living in, it’s so important to make sure everyone is safe and we need to do our part.”
Kaplan said the Max Casino staff followed strict social distancing rules. Floor markers were set up to establish a six-feet distance from one another. Masks were also available for any interested participants. Gloves and masks were worn by employees while they sanitized .
Social distancing measures may have to be the new normal for the foreseeable future. While customers adjust to the new safety procedures, Carson City area casinos remain optimistic about providing nightly entertainment.
“I hope this isn’t a normality down the road. But if it is, we’ll do our best to provide great entertainment every night,” Cardinal said. “It’s all about having a good time while taking care of each other, and that’s important.”
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