COVID-19 Cases Rise in Atlantic City in October

COVID-19 Cases Rise in Atlantic City in October

Casinos in Atlantic City shut down in the middle of March because of the coronavirus pandemic and reopened in July. The rising number of COVID-19 infections among gaming employees has become a troubling trend since then.

October figures raise concerns

Since the casinos in Atlantic City reopened in July, 251 employees have tested positive for COVID-19. Of these, over 60% of cases occurred in October. Reports cite the Open Public Records Act which shows that 172 cases occurred in Atlantic City last month, which included casino employees. An additional 79 individuals who tested positive were working in the bars and restaurants of the city.

COVID-19 Cases Rise in Atlantic City in October

The maximum number of cases, 36, were reported in Harrah’s Resort, followed by Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City where 34 employees tested positive. 20 employees of Borgata and 19 at Bally’s also tested positive. The Ocean Casino Resort reported 18 positive cases while Caesars Atlantic City and Golden Nugget reported 13 cases.

What do casinos say?

According to the casinos, that the numbers have increased in October but the low total numbers suggest that they have followed health and safety practices at their premises. The gaming properties of Atlantic City are working with several precautions to ensure the health and safety of their guests and employees from the virus.

Most gaming properties have installed Plexiglass divided into the casino and other areas. They have also mandated personal protective equipment like masks. Casinos are also undertaking additional cleaning and sanitization steps to ensure that the virus does not survive on surfaces for long.

New Jersey is facing a crisis with a rising number of positive cases. Even though the number has been limited in Atlantic City, the state continues to see upward trends in positive cases. Governor Phil Murphy is mulling action on this scenario. He has said that the state will take restrictive actions if the trends continue. All indoor dining facilities and casinos in the state are already running at 25% capacity.

About sherlock

Sherlock Gomes loves to write and express his views on anything related to Gaming, Gambling, & Casino. He has been covering Gaming for more than two years now.