While casinos of the rest of the US are eager to start welcoming guests in June, Navajo Nation is scheduling the reopening of its properties in July.

Board of directors approves the move

The recent Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise Board of Directors recently approved continuing the closure of its gaming properties. This includes the Twin Arrow Casino Resort in Flagstaff, the Fire Rock Casino near Gallup, the Flowing Water Casino in Hogback, and the Northern Edge Casino in Upper Fruitland.

All four properties will reopen on July 5 with 50% capacity. The decision by the board is on the lines of a June 3 executive order by Jonathan Nez, the president of Navajo Nation and Myron Lizer, the vice president. Their executive order is the fifth since the first COVID-19 case was reported in their land in March. According to the order, all the departments and divisions under the executive branch will remain closed to the public.

In a press release, Board Chairman Quincy Natay said,

“We continue to work with the Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President and our commitment to protect team members and patrons during these unprecedented times.”

What does the release suggest?

According to Natay, all employees of the gaming properties will be on paid administrative leave until the reopening. It also states that all casinos have undergone bio-hazard deep cleaning and sanitizing processes. All properties will have to follow social distancing guidelines which will be enforced on food and beverage locations, gaming areas, and other high-traffic regions.

Patrons will also have to get their temperature checked before they enter the property. If they record temperatures of over 100.4 degrees, they will not be allowed within the property. They will also be asked to use hand sanitizers before entering the building. Face masks are not compulsory but the casinos will encourage patrons to use them.

The Navajo Department of Health earlier gave an emergency health order which requires anyone older than 2 years to wear face masks or another kind of face coverings when in public.