Here’s what Detroit’s casinos say they’re doing to reduce risk of COVID-19 infections during their partial reopening.: MGM Grand Detroit Likewise, casinos are required to follow strict protocols in terms of sanitizing, social distancing, and safety precautions for employees. Valet services and coat checks are also off-limits. Self-serve food and beverages including buffets, coffee machines, soda machines are also shut down to reduce community spread of the virus and entertainment venues are closed.

Smoking will no longer be allowed inside casinos, and patrons must wear face mask when they’re not eating or drinking. Under Michigan’s rules, everyone - staff, suppliers, and patrons - is required to undergo a temperature check and health screening before entering the premises. Washington state’s tribal Emerald Queen Casino has faced similar criticism in an Occupational Safety and Health Administration complaint. Vegas’s Culinary Workers Union and Bartenders Union are now pushing for more protections for hospitality workers who face greater risks of exposure to novel coronavirus. Michigan’s capacity rules are much stricter than those of Las Vegas’ casinos, which attempted to reopen at 50 percent capacity in early June before the state had a mandatory mask order in place. Meanwhile, Michigan’s tribal casinos, which do not fall under the state’s legal jurisdiction, began reopening in May. All three of the city’s gaming institutions have announced major staff layoffs of their hospitality workers.

Since closing down due to novel coronavirus restrictions in March, revenue at Detroit casinos has declined by 59.3 percent year over year - a big hit for the city’s budget.

Like it or not, casinos are a big source of revenue in Detroit, pouring $184 million into the city’s tax coffers in 2019. Currently, Motor City Casino-Hotel and Greektown Casino-Hotel are all preparing to reopen by that date with new safety precautions in place, while MGM Grand Detroit will open Friday, August 7. Despite increased restrictions on bars around the state, the governor is permitting Detroit’s casinos to reopen at 15-percent capacity beginning on Wednesday, August 5.

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