Masks now required for customers at all MS Coast casinos ahead of July 4th weekend
If you’re going to a casino on the Mississippi Gulf Coast for the July 4th holiday weekend, prepare to bring and wear a mask.
Beau Rivage and Harrah’s Gulf Coast casinos were the first to require customers to wear masks last week.
Now the Mississippi Gaming Commission is requiring masks at all 12 casinos on the Coast and throughout the state.
The directive came Thursday as 871 new coronavirus cases were reported in the state, with 81 new cases on the Coast.
The order goes into effect at 8 p.m. Friday, July 3.
“Based on guidance from the State Health Officer and in order to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, all persons in indoor public areas of a casino property shall be required to wear a mask covering the face and nose,” the order says.
People can remove their masks temporarily while they eat or drink — or when the casino staff asks them to drop the mask briefly for identification.
Staff and visitors must continue to have their temperatures checked before they enter, and casinos continue to following other precautions ordered by the Gaming Commission, such as hand sanitizing stations and distancing at table games and between slot machines,
Anyone who doesn’t comply by wearing a mask will be warned and asked to leave the property if they continue to disregard the policy, according to the new order.
“Our casinos fully understand the number one goal of ensuring the health and safety of employees and guests,” said Larry Gregory, executive director of the Mississippi Gaming and Hospitality Association.
The Gaming Commission regulations are very clear, he said, and follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control. Employees should not report to work if they are ill, he said and if they have a fever, they are asked to leave and get tested.
“If they test positive for COVID-19, we will ensure all employees that have been in close contact will be tested,” he said. The area where the person worked will be thoroughly cleaned, he said.
MGHA represents every casino in Mississippi and Gregory said, “We are invested in our employees and will take every precaution to ensure they stay safe.”
This story was originally published July 2, 2020 at 2:58 PM.
