Casinos to Reopen on Monday, May 18th
Casinos around Louisiana have been given the go-ahead to reopen for business on Monday, May 18th.
This is an exception to the Governor's Phase 1 plan. These businesses are listed as having to remain closed under this phase:
Public Amusement (indoor and outdoor), rides, carnivals, amusement parks, water parks, trampoline parks, aquariums, museums, arcades, fairs, pool halls, play centers, playgrounds, theme parks, theaters, concert and music halls, adult entertainment, racetracks, casinos, video poker, movie theaters, bowling alleys, bars, spas, massage parlors, tattoo parlors, fitness centers, gyms, and other similar businesses.
But Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Jones tells KEEL News the Governor will allow the casinos and race tracks to open on Monday along with video poker machines (while maintaining the 6 foot social distancing guidelines).
Jones says all casino workers will be required to wear masks. Guests will have to answer some questions about possible symptoms and face a non-invasive temperature check. All of the casinos will be limited to 25% capacity and that includes casino employees.
KEEL News asked Jones if all of the local casinos are planning to reopen on Monday and he says he does not know the answer to that yet. He says each casino will have to file a plan with state police this week to let them know of their plan before they can move forward and reopen the doors. Jones adds state police will be monitoring the crowds at the casinos to make sure they are following the latest rules.