Pittsburgh based Rivers Casino announced on Wednesday that it is planning to reopen next week. The casino said that in a press release that its premises will start welcoming guests again On Tuesday at 9 am. The casino has been closed since mid-March because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Opening with restrictions

The casino will reopen with some restrictions on June 9. Its restaurant and gaming floor will also be limited to only 50% of the capacity. It is unclear when the restrictions will be lifted. The release said,

“At reopening, Rivers Casino Pittsburgh will have new hours of operation: weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 a.m. and round-the-clock on weekends starting Fridays at 9 a.m. through Mondays at 4 a.m.”

Rivers Casino said that it will use the downtime for cleaning and sanitization of the premises. It will require all guests and employees to wear masks on the premises.

What does the Gaming Board suggest?

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board recently released a 10-page guideline that lays down the requirements for the casinos to reopen. The social distancing guidelines will have to be followed by all casinos. They will be required to put markings on the floors to ensure that people remain apart. They will also have to disable some slot machines and clean them often to ensure that guests and staff remain safe. The Board also suggests the installation of plexiglass dividers and closure of poker rooms in casinos for health and safety purposes.

Rivers Casino also said that it doesn’t plan to open the poker room, valet parking, and the event center next week. The Grand View Buffet will also remain closed for now. The procedures followed by Rivers have now become a new normal for casino reopening across the US. Most properties are opening at 50% capacity and keeping only alternative slot machines operating.