Indiana’s casinos have been given the green light to reopen after COVID-19 shut them down for nearly three months.
The state Gaming Commission says they can open to the public – at reduced capacity – beginning June 15.
Casinos were required to submit health and safety plans before the state would allow them to reopen. Those plans were detailed: employees, patrons and vendors will undergo daily health screenings. And employees can’t be penalized for missing work if they have COVID symptoms (or test positive for the virus).
Join the conversation and sign up for the Indiana 2020 Two-Way. Text "elections" to 73224. Your comments and questions in response to our weekly text help us find the answers you need on COVID-19 and the 2020 election.
The number of gaming positions is significantly reduced, with additional limits on the number of players at table games. And those table game players – along with all employees on casino floors – must wear masks.
The reopening plans submitted to the state also included procedures for regular (and deep) cleaning and disinfecting throughout the casinos.
Gaming Commission agents will conduct what the state calls “pre-opening reviews” to ensure each casino complies with its safety plan.
Local communities can impose tougher restrictions on casinos – or even prevent them from opening entirely. But no community has announced their intent to do so.
Contact reporter Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.