BEND, Ore. — As businesses slowly open up in certain counties, that means some casinos will too.
Two Oregon casinos will be reopening starting next week. State restrictions don’t apply to tribal governments because they’re a sovereign nation, but they decided to close in March amid the coronavirus outbreak.
On Monday, The Mill Casino in North Bend will be open again, and the Chinook Winds Casino in Lincoln City plan on reopening late next week with modified hours.
Brenda Meade is the chairperson for the Coquille Indian Tribal Council. She says after shutting down, they started to put in safety measures so they would reopen safely.
Meade says when guests come in on Monday, it’s going to be a lot different. They’ll notice sneeze guards through parts of the casino. They’ll also notice all employees with face coverings.
“Our employees are expected to wear masks there are some new hand sanitizing stations there's also a different entrance for the casino as well, said Meade. Not only will employees be wearing masks, but guests will be asked to do the same if they don’t the casino will provide one for them. Guests will also notice fewer tables on the floor, but the biggest change is going to be as you walk in."
“When you come in on Monday there will be a security officer who will swipe your forehead there are going to be some that you just walk through,” said Meade.
