CDC's Summary of its Recent Guidance Review [212 KB, 8 Pages] A comprehensive review of CDC's existing COVID-19 guidance to ensure they were evidence-based and free of politics. The casinos parent company said in a statement at the time that its guests expect a special experience when they come to our property and if we cannot provide that level of hospitality, we feel it best that we remain closed. Borgata faced a challenge in that it isnt located on the Boardwalk and so had fewer outdoor dining options than some of its competitors. Employees we with spoke with at the Borgata say they are elated to be back. %PDF-1.5 % The Borgata casino will reopen on July 26, the last of Atlantic City's nine gambling resorts to resume operating amid the coronavirus outbreak. This Oct. 1, 2020, photo shows the exterior of the Borgata casino in Atlantic City, N.J. On Nov. 13, 2020, the Borgata laid off or reduced the hours of 422 workers in response to new restrictions on indoor dining imposed by New Jersey Gov. Bar seating is also now prohibited across the state. Like us on Facebook: PhillyVoice Before You Travel Make sure to plan ahead: Get up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines before you travel. 15, 2021. The Borgata says it plans to bring back about 40% of its staff when it reopens. endstream endobj 696 0 obj <. California Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information, California Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Murphys order came as the coronavirus rate of infection and number of cases climbs higher in New Jersey and across the country. The reopening started Thursday at the Borgata casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Each seat at the table is cleaned between guests. We ask guests to stay at home if they have COVID-19 related symptoms or live with someone who has recently tested positive. The daily death toll has been in the single digits and teens in recent weeks, compared to the 25 to 45 deaths. The statewide death toll due to COVID-19 is 14,747 lab-confirmed fatalities. All rights reserved, the only one that did not to immediately reopen. She runs the pools and other amenities at the Borgata, and had her work cut out for her. When Borgata does reopen, guests and employees will need to follow strict COVID-19 protocols. The Borgata was the only one to decide not to immediately reopen on July 2, the first day New Jersey Gov. Get Directions Get information on travel restrictions by country with our map. It also tried banning smoking, too. Vaccine and testing regulations: As of April 1, 2022, vaccination verification or a negative COVID-19 test is no longer required to attend indoor events with more than 1,000 people. hbbd``b`+@, I|?A+x "E !`R$ (1$&F&7 " UC On Sunday, eating and drinking options included a beer garden and food trucks, spaces poolside and under a large tent to eat takeout, as well as hotel room service. Hospitalizations for COVID-19 have plummeted 73% from April 1 to 628 on Wednesday. Wynn completes $1.7B sale, leaseback of . The resort was initially planning to reopen. "Following the Governor's directive to postpone indoor dining, we took a step back to reassess our reopening date to ensure we could give our guests the world-class experience they expect from us, safely," said Melonie Johnson, who serves as Borgatas President & Chief Operating Officer. Casinos can offer outdoor dining, and those with beach bars, outdoor decks or Boardwalk seating still plan to offer it. New Jersey will join New York and Connecticut in dropping many of its largest remaining coronavirus restrictions May 19, including removing fixed, percentage-based indoor capacity limits at . Our Commitment No one's coming," said Bob McDevitt, president of a casino employees union. I cover Philadelphia City Hall, writing about how power, politics, and policy shape our city. In May 2019, total gaming revenue in New Jersey was more than $276 million. "Steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19". Casino president Melonie Johnson said the cuts were in response to limits that took effect Thursday night under which indoor dining must halt from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. For more reporting from the Associated Press, see below. But the last thing casinos want is their patrons leaving the premises, for any reason. It then set about increasing its outdoor dining options, and finally reached a point where it made sense financially to announce it would reopen. Starting this past Thursday, restaurants and bars in New Jersey had to stop indoor service between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. every night. RELATED: New COVID-19 relief bill: GOP set to unveil package 'next week'. That caused casinos to scramble to make other plans, including setting up temporary outdoor quarters and offering grab-and-go bags that customers can eat outside or in their hotel rooms. Consent isn't required to purchase goods or services. Casinos were allowed to open in early July at 25% capacity. ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey (WPVI) -- The Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in Atlantic City, N.J. opened its doors to a small group of invite-only guests on Thursday. But the indoor pool is currently closed. Copyright 2023 WPVI-TV. Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City reopened to the public on Sunday after being shut down for over four months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. put its reopening plans on hold in late June, California residents do not sell my data request. Costandino said the resort isnt disclosing how many of its employees have been brought back to work, but she said it isnt the entire workforce. Murphy's order came as the coronavirus rate of infection and number of cases climbs higher in New Jersey and across the country. Murphy ordered Atlantic City's casinos shut due to the virus on March 16. All rooms in the resort are fitted with a flat-screen TV and come with a private bathroom. Employees and guests will both be required to wear face coverings while in public spaces. Friday & Saturday: 2PM - 11PM, Monday - Thursday: Closed Above, Bally's, Ocean Resort and Hard Rock Casino are illuminated at dusk despite being shuttered during the coronavirus pandemic on May 7, 2020, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Bet With Your Head, Not Over It. 0 The Borgata had the highest operating profit at $57.2 million, up from $2.3 million a year earlier. The Borgata sent a letter to workers Friday afternoon outlining the cuts. Each seat at the table is cleaned between guests.Read more MONICA HERNDON / Staff Photographer By joining this subscription program you authorize MGM Grand to send you automated marketing text message at the mobile number provided. But over the last several weeks, the casino developed a reopening plan sans indoor dining and drinking and created new outdoor dining establishments and spaces for guests to eat takeout food from the indoor eateries that reopened. Guests who have not been fully vaccinated are encouraged to continue wearing a mask. But even when Plousis compared the profit to the third quarter of 2019, the casinos still did almost 30 percent better this year than before the pandemic. Regrettably, due to the adjusted operations and overall impact of the pandemic on business, weve been forced to modify our staffing levels, Johnson wrote in her letter to workers. Phil Murphy said that the state's latest. Its our job to maintain social distance among both guests and employees.. Phil Murphy announced Monday, in a joint announcement with New York and Connecticut, the majority of the COVID restrictions on the state's dining industry would be rolled back on May 19 . Murphy also said crowds at popular spots at the Jersey Shore and elsewhere have not been following social distancing rules or wearing masks. Some vowed to come anyway, mixing drinks in their rooms and bringing sandwiches for dinner. Borgata, Atlantic Citys casino market leader and one of its largest employers, put its reopening plans on hold in late June. Follow Pat & PhillyVoice on Twitter: @Pat_Ralph | @thePhillyVoice Some grumbled that the governor had sucked the fun out of the casino experience, even as a smaller number defended the decision on public health grounds. New Jersey will lift many coronavirus restrictions later this month, Gov. To comply with the order, the casino is closing its restaurants each night at 10 p.m. Borgata now has hand washing stations on the casino floor, and plastic dividers between each player and the dealer at table games. However, after the state postponed the resumption of indoor dining at limited capacity earlier this month, Borgata indefinitely paused its reopening plans. The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa swung open its doors to the public Sunday for the first time since March, becoming the last of Atlantic Citys nine casinos to reopen. "The governor has not yet announced when the order will be lifted so, unfortunately, we dont know how long this may last and cannot fully assess any lasting impacts on our business levels., Full coverage of the COVID-19 outbreak and how it impacts you. All rights reserved. Give us your digits; we'll give you all the insider deals and info. Profits at Atlantic City's nine casinos more than doubled in the third quarter of this year after New Jersey lifted most of its COVID-19 restrictions in May, the Associated Press reported.. The rules that previously applied to travellers coming to Spain no longer apply: you are no longer required to show proof of being fully vaccinated. Phil Murphy initially prohibited indoor dining. Stimulus and Business Updates, Share your coronavirus story with Eyewitness News, Stimulus check scams and other coronavirus hoaxes, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on coronavirus, Total count of NYC, Long Island COVID-19 cases based on patient address, Subway attack victim finds little comfort in NYPD's new crime stats, Male killed in police-involved shooting in Paterson, Deaths of 2 men drugged, beaten after night out ruled homicides. "A lot more people won't be returning to work," Allen added. This 4-star resort offers a 24-hour front desk and an ATM. PhillyVoice Staff, New Jersey issues guidance allowing students to opt for all-remote learning this upcoming school year, Atilis Gym forced to shut down again after violating New Jerseys COVID-19 business restrictions, Mega Millions ticket worth $123 million sold in New Jersey, Phillies injury update: Andrew Painter has a tender elbow, Coworker charged with kidnapping, killing missing Sellersville man, Eli Lilly slashed insulin prices, starting a race to the bottom, NBC10 hires Fred Shropshire to replace Jim Rosenfield as weekday evening anchor, Developer proposes $150 million luxury hotel on Ocean City Boardwalk, Construction of Penn's Landing park over I-95 finally approved to begin, PennDOT says. Now, as few as 30% may go back. Tom Sizemore dead at 61 after suffering brain aneurysm, ABC7 New York 24/7 Eyewitness News Stream. The casino is also offering grab-and-go options at certain locations. Instead, it will wait until conditions are more favorable. We are hopeful to return employees to work and increase hours when the executive order is lifted, operations expand and business demand returns. New Jersey recorded 4,395 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, increasing the statewide total to 274,736 since the public health crisis began in March. Not just for me but then to finally make the phone calls for my staff," said Jennifer Aarons, Director of Recreation Services. The bans will also reduce the number of laid-off workers who will return. endstream endobj startxref Our goal is certainly to avoid crowds, she said. Ocean Casino Resort and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino had the highest rates, with both over 96 percent. Borgata typically employs 5,000 to 6,000 people. Trump calls off Florida component of Republican National Convention over COVID-19 concern, New COVID-19 relief bill: GOP set to unveil package 'next week'. The casino has outdoor dining options including an outdoor beer garden; an area of food and beer trucks; poolside at The Water Club, an adjacent non-gambling hotel the Borgata owns; and an outdoor dining location for the casino's top-tier player's card members. Most of the casinos paid for health coverage for laid-off workers through June 30. In compliance with Governor Murphys Executive Order, fully vaccinated guests are no longer required to wear masks. Follow Pat & PhillyVoice on Twitter: @Pat_Ralph | @thePhillyVoice Laid-off workers will remain on the casinos health insurance plan through Dec. 31. In-room dining will be offered all day Saturday and Sunday, and from 4 p.m. to midnight on weekdays. Jim Allen, president of Hard Rock International, said that as of Tuesday morning, the company still planned to reopen its Atlantic City casino Thursday but that no final decision had been made. Every seat at the tables is cleaned after each use. It also must stop serving beverages on the casino floor, which will remain open around the clock. Phil Murphy. The report also found that Atlantic City's casino occupancy rate this quarter was just over 81 percent. %%EOF French people who are living abroad, travelling or returning from abroad, as well as visitors from abroad, will find answers below to frequently asked questions on COVID-19 measures. To comply with the order, the casino is closing its restaurants each night at 10 p.m. Gross operating profit refers to the earnings before interest, taxes and other expenses. Phil Murphy. Caesars had a $27.6 million profit, up from $17.5 million; Resorts had a $16.1 million profit, up from $7.7 million; and Golden Nugget had a $14.3 million profit, up from $7 million. Do not to buy Raspberry Rally cookies from eBay, Girl Scouts say, Brian Laundrie was 'emotional bully,' Petito family lawsuit says, Pa. woman missing since 1992 found alive in Puerto Rico. Atlantic City Casinos Reopen in a Changed Coronavirus Pandemic World, Ready to Return, 4,000 Atlantic City Casino Workers Told No, New Jersey Bill Seeks to Ban Sale of Baby Wipes, Check Your Change! The Borgata did not give any information on the new eatery, saying details will be released "in the coming months." Atlantic City's casinos, and the restaurants inside them, have been operating at reduced capacity since reopening last summer amid the COVID-19 pandemic. You can watch the game on the big screen inside, but no food or drink. ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey -- Atlantic City tried Prohibition once before. "Through efficiencies, every operator posted a profit in the third quarter, a great accomplishment coming out of an extremely challenging period," Plousis said in a statement. Borgata, like other casinos across the state, is operating at 25% capacity and enforcing strict COVID-19 health and safety guidelines that guests and employees must follow. The Borgata sent a letter to workers Friday afternoon outlining the cuts. These Valuable Pennies Are Worth Thousands, Pa. Woman Went Missing in 1992 and Declared Dead. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revised its guidance on masks, allowing states to ease or outright remove certain COVID-19 restrictions. Phil Murphy announced that though casinos were permitted to reopen in early July, indoor eating, drinking and smoking would be prohibited. Masks are being provided to those who dont have them. It also must stop serving beverages on the casino floor, which will remain open around the clock. However, because the casinos were still operating under COVID capacity restrictions, James Plousis, chair of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, told AP that the results are not comparable. Guests who have not been fully vaccinated are encouraged to continue wearing a mask. Poker and valet parking will not be available and operating hours could vary. Because food isn't allowed to be served inside, poolside dining became crucial, along with the addition of food and beverage trucks just outside the casino. Have a news tip? Twenty-five percent capacity. Before the pandemic, Atlantic City had started to regain its groove, reclaiming its former spot at the nation's No. We are hopeful to return employees to work and increase hours when the executive order is lifted, operations expand and business demand returns, she wrote. Seems fair. All Rights Reserved. The casino is laying off 73 workers and reducing the hours of 349 others. Full coverage of the COVID-19 outbreak and how it impacts you, Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. We appreciate our guests' and employees' patience and understanding and look forward to welcoming them back.". 730 0 obj <>stream Above, a gambler playing a slot machine at Bally's casino in Atlantic City on June 23, 2021. After May 19, New Jersey remaining restrictions will include: Six-foot social distancing and masks required inside businesses, including at bars and restaurants. Their health insurance ends Wednesday, he added. Phil Murphy said that the states latest number of COVID-19 infections was alarming and concerning.. Phil Murphy. "Atlantic City's recovery is gaining momentum and is on track for an impressive year.". Phil Murphy allowed casinos to do so. Borgata's classic Italian style, elevated. "It looks a lot different. If you were a guest at an MGM Resorts property within the last 14 days and have subsequently tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19), we ask that you contact us at covid19@mgmresorts.com so that we can provide your information to the local health department to support their contact tracing efforts. Limitations on gaming tables and slot machines. you are no longer required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Barriers have been implemented where social distancing could be difficult to enforce, such as at many table games. Children and young people. Last updated on 26 August 2022 Liz Warren cleans a clear barrier on the casino floor at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City on Sunday, the first day the casino hotel was open to the public since closing in March due to coronavirus restrictions. Under the governor's orders, masks must be worn at all times, and no food or drink can be served inside, leaving casinos to come up with some creative options for guests. Let us know. The Borgata sent a letter to workers Friday afternoon outlining the cuts. For now, certain amenities like salons and spas at Borgata remain closed. Bob McDevitt, president of the main Atlantic City casino workers' union, said he did not know of any other casino that had done layoffs since the limits were announced on Monday. This year's third-quarter gross operating profit is over twice the amount in 2020, which was $151 million. And alcohol will still be sold in liquor stores and non-casino businesses. The hotel is open at limited capacity, and the outdoor pool is available to guests too. BORGATA REMAINS COMMITTED TO THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF OUR GUESTS, EMPLOYEES AND THE OVERALL WELL-BEING OF THE STATE. Masks. Laid-off workers will remain on the casino's health insurance plan through Dec. 31. All Rights Reserved. The other eight Atlantic City casinos, which had been closed since March due to the coronavirus pandemic, reopened their doors earlier this month. Caesars Interactive Entertainment New Jersey had a profit of nearly $5 million, up from $4.8 million, and Resorts Digital's profit was $3.8 million, down from $6 million in the third quarter last year. Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters. Hard Rock, like the other eight casinos, had been making reopening plans that included smoking, drinking and indoor dining as integral. . On Tuesday, casino executives huddled in staff meetings, looking for more information and trying to decide whether it made sense to reopen at all. Many casinos had planned to reopen Thursday, the first day the state will let them. Gov. Atlantic City, NJ 08401. All rights reserved. Patrons and employees are subject to temperature checks and must wear masks at all times. Social distancing is being enforced with floor markers reminding people to keep six feet apart. While the state has not indicated yet when indoor dining could resume, Borgata decided to move forward with its reopening plans and began welcoming select guests back to the entertainment venue on Thursday. Roughly 73 workers will be let go and approximately 349 employees will see their hours reduced, according to a letter sent to Borgata staffers that was obtained by the Associated Press. She Was Just Found in Puerto Rico, Eagles Have a Shot to Land the Top Cornerback in 2023 Draft. McDevitt said 60% of his union members had been scheduled to return to work this week. Borgata reopened nearly a month after other casinos in July, when Gov. 2023 WWB Holdings, LLC. Borgata has been forced to shut down indoor dining service at its restaurants and bars between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. every night. But the Borgata decided to wait. But New Jersey will ban both, again, when Atlantic City's nine casinos reopen after more than three months of coronavirus-related shutdowns. Borgata management is also hoping sports fans will still place their bets at the sports book. Outdoor dining will be open as well, but due to the indoor dining ban, Borgata is offering takeout and in-room delivery services. hb``` eah r`#Y0.fevMYu9+ As workers get settled into a new routine, recent unemployment numbers from the U.S. Department of Labor show New Jersey had the second highest unemployment rate for the month of June, and an increase from May. The casino is laying off 73 workers and reducing the hours of 349 others. These Valuable Pennies Are Worth Thousands, Pa. Woman Went Missing in 1992 and Declared Dead. It worked so well that Nucky Johnson, the legendary politician and racketeer, built a Boardwalk empire immortalized on HBO nearly a century later. In the wake of New Jersey reimplementing restrictions on indoor dining service across the state, more than 400 employees at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City will be subject to a layoff or a reduction in hours. He said Monday that Health Department officials say indoor settings make it easier for the virus to spread compared with outdoors. The governor has not yet announced when the order will be lifted so, unfortunately, we dont know how long this may last and cannot fully assess any lasting impacts on our business levels.. Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City reopened to the public on Sunday after being shut down for over four months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Copyright 2023 by The Associated Press. She Was Just Found in Puerto Rico, Eagles Have a Shot to Land the Top Cornerback in 2023 Draft. The resort was initially planning to reopen on July 6 after New Jersey approved casinos to resume operations across the state ahead of the Fourth of July weekend. 2023 WWB Holdings, LLC. Borgata officials told The Associated Press on. Do. But the Borgata decided not to reopen immediately under those conditions. "They can sit down and relax, enjoy the pool, have some food and beverage and some great sunshine.". Employees and guests are both required to wear face coverings while in public spaces. With this extension, we are also changing our earning year to January 1 December 31 from whats historically been October 1 September 30, extending your benefits an additional three months and moving to a calendar year thats easier to understand and track. Workers and customers are being screened for COVID-19 symptoms upon entry and having their temperatures taken. COVID-19 Help, Information. Murphy's order came as the coronavirus rate of infection and number of cases climbs . Gov. The Borgata sent a letter to workers Friday afternoon outlining the cuts. Gov. Within minutes of Murphy's announcements, made in a news release issued shortly before 10 p.m. Monday, social media lit up with complaints. 715 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<848B9324AF195B4BA98A9BA3268AEB40>]/Index[695 36]/Info 694 0 R/Length 95/Prev 187920/Root 696 0 R/Size 731/Type/XRef/W[1 2 1]>>stream Following the Governors directive to postpone indoor dining, we took a step back to reassess our reopening date to ensure we could give our guests the world-class experience they expect from us, safely, Melonie Johnson, the Borgata's president and chief operating officer, said in a statement. The casino will host an invitation-only soft opening starting July 23, Borgata officials told The Associated Press on Tuesday, and will open its doors to everyone three days later. Its COVID-19 casino tracker counts 880 casinos currently open and 116 closed, including Philadelphia's Rivers Casino. (AP Photo/Wayne Parry), Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. Sunday: 9AM - 4PM. Effective January 5 at 12:01 Eastern Time, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will require a negative COVID-19 test result, taken within two days of departure, or proof of recovery from the virus within the last 90 days, for all travelers, age two years and older, to the United States on flights originating from the In-room dining will be offered all day Saturday and Sunday, and from 4 p.m. to midnight on weekdays. Friday: 4PM - 12AM With masks on, and seats spaced out Borgata regulars were welcomed back to their favorite games. Casino president Melonie Johnson said the cuts were in response to limits that took effect Thursday night under which. RELATED: Trump calls off Florida component of Republican National Convention over COVID-19 concerns. "When we got the executive order that we couldn't have indoor dining, we had to reset. The governor has not yet announced when the order will be lifted so, unfortunately, we dont know how long this may last and cannot fully assess any lasting impacts on our business levels.. Phil Murphy. There is a restaurant. "There's several options just in this area that people can use to enjoy," said Aarons. In other words, more than half of the Spanish population - 26.2 million people - are living in a region where community transmission is widespread and .