MGM Resorts International, the owner of the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, New Jersey, has unveiled a ‘Seven-Point Safety Plan’ in anticipation of reopening the doors of Atlantic City’s premier land-based casino. The MGM Resorts team, in tandem with high-level medical experts has crafted an effective plan that guarantees the safety, security, and well-being of patrons visiting the Borgata in Atlantic City.
The ‘Seven-Point Safety Plan’ re-focuses efforts on safety, with a multi-layered approach to preventing the spread of the virus among gaming patrons, guests, employees, and management. A series of measures has been introduced, namely the following:
- Extensive Screening and Temperature Checking
In-depth health and wellness training on safety protocols will be taking place, in addition to screening questions, and regular employee temperature checks. Guests with COVID-19, or those living with infected persons are strongly advised to stay home. On-premises medical staff are available in the event of an emergency.
- Increased Outside Air Circulation Within the Casino
MGM Resorts International has mandated a full and complete upgrade of HVAC controls and air-quality systems to ensure that maximum air circulation from outside gets circulated within the casino. This will extend to all guestrooms, and includes filters that meet/exceed recommended safety and health standards.
- Contactless Options Via Digital Innovation
MGM Resorts International will ensure that the Borgata Casino Hotel & Spa, and other properties, are fully equipped with as many contactless options for guests as possible. Technology is being tweaked to reimagine multiple aspects of the guest experience, from check-in to check out, with no need to wait in line. The use of smartphones is not required, for safety purposes, since line-reduced environments have been designed.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has expanded testing and the provision of personal protective equipment for key industries across the state. It is mandatory for employees to wear masks and PPE while in public areas, and guests are strongly advised to do the same. All employees will be using gloves during the routine performance of their jobs.
- Regular Hand Washing Regimen
Custom-designed hand washing facilities are conveniently located throughout the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, in Atlantic City. Additionally, hand sanitizer dispensers will be peppered throughout the casino, with appropriate cleaning protocols in place, notably with high-frequency touch surfaces, in the common areas of the casino. Further, EPA guidelines will be adhered to at all times.
- Rapid Activation for Incident Response Measures
In the event of a hotel/casino guest, or worker testing positive for the virus, MGM Resorts International is ready to take rapid action to limit the spread of infection on the property. A series of measures has been designed to mitigate exposure to the virus, courtesy of highly-trained staff and thorough sanitation of any exposed areas to the virus. These measures are designed to contain infections, and prevent further spread of COVID-19 and any mutations thereof.
- Maintain Social Distancing at 6 Feet
As indicated by the Coronavirus Task Force Team, and the White House, social distancing is the most effective way to prevent the further spread of the virus. As such, MGM Resorts International has implemented a 6-foot physical distancing policy. Various visual cues will remind guests about this 6-foot physical distancing policy. Perspex/plexiglass barriers will also be implemented, in addition to face masks for further safety measures.
Guests to Follow Commonsense Practices in Anticipation of Borgata Reopening
As such, the onus falls on guests to self-screen and follow all protocols provided by the Borgata Casino Hotel & Spa. Anyone with exposure to the virus is encouraged to follow the CDC guidelines, and self-quarantine – not to travel to the Borgata Casino Hotel & Spa. CDC-approved masks are strongly encouraged, although not mandatory, in public areas of the resort. These will be available free of charge to guests. The Borgata Casino Hotel & Spa will begin accepting reservations for its property as from June 1, 2020, provided there are no snafus.
Among others, guests at the property get to enjoy world-class restaurant concepts from the likes Michael Symon, Wolfgang Puck, and Bobby Flay. Entertainment options include a packed schedule for the Event Center as well as Music Box. Headliners in Jerry Seinfeld and Ken Jeong are slated for the summer. While the land-based casino remains closed, Borgata Online Casino is open for business, and fully licensed by the NJ DGE to offer real-money gambling games to legal age players 21+, physically present in New Jersey.
