Harrah’s opens to public on May 28

EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEE INDIANS, Press Release
casino

CHEROKEE COUNTY, N.C. – On May 27, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino announced that the Cherokee and Valley River locations will be open to the public on Thursday, May 28.

The casinos will operate at 30% capacity, consistent with NC and Tribal guidelines and operating with social distancing in place. Most restaurants are open with limited seating as well as carryout options. Other amenities will also open in phases as determined by the state and local guidelines. Among the enhanced health and safety protocols are more frequent cleaning and sanitization. Employee health checks are conducted daily, and employees are required to wear masks. Guests will undergo temperature checks before entering the casinos and are also required to wear masks. The casino gaming areas will temporarily be non-smoking.

Further updates on Caesars Entertainment’s response to COVID-19 can be found at: https://bit.ly/2ZKTZh8.

Harrah’s Cherokee announces phased reopening, starting May 18

EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEE INDIANS, Press Release
reopening

PRESS RELEASE: Almost sixty days after closing their doors to help slow the spread of COVID-19, Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos will begin a gradual reopening of Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River on Monday, May 18, 2020.

As the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and North Carolina begin to lay out a framework for easing restrictions relating to the pandemic, the casinos are looking forward to a return to operation, but with extensive health and safety precautions in place for the safety of employees and guests. Areas such as the gaming floor, hotel and some restaurants, where social distancing can be practiced will be the first to open, with significant limitations on occupancy. Areas where social distancing is not possible, such as the spa, valet, poker, buffet and concerts, will have to remain closed until it is appropriate to reopen.

To make social distancing possible, access to the casinos will be by invitation only at first with small groups of customers receiving the invitation by email starting as early as May 13. During this initial phase, only invited guests will be able to make hotel reservations, or access the properties. The number of invitations may increase over time as it becomes appropriate to do so. Members of the EBCI will also be able to access both casinos during this period of time.

Given this phased reopening, furloughed employees will begin returning to work as their respective work areas ramp up operation. Before beginning work, each employee will complete a screening, which will include a questionnaire and temperature check, and be required to wear a face mask while on duty.

Reflecting on the closure, Brooks Robinson, Senior Vice President and General Manager said “This is uncharted territory for the casino industry, but what is clear is that when we return to work it will not be exactly as it was prior to closing. We look forward to welcoming back our guests and team members, also understanding that social distancing is going to be a part of our business and lives for a while.”

Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos Extends Temporary Closure Through April

Business, News
Harrah's Cherokee
As the COVID-19 pandemic remains a threat both locally and nationally, Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos (Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort & Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel) has further extended its closure through the end of April.
Following the guidelines and recommendations of government officials and health agencies, the company remains committed to keeping its employees and communities safe.
As previously announced, employees of Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos will continue to be paid through April 15, however, during the extended closure beginning on April 16 the majority of employees will be placed on furlough. Furloughed employees will continue to receive medical benefits which will be provided and paid for by the company through reopening or June 30, whichever comes first.
Harrah’s Cherokee looks forward to welcoming back its employees and guests and will continue to work with Tribal leaders to identify an appropriate reopening date.
ABOUT Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos- An Enterprise of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort is located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina. The Casino has over 3,000 games. The property also features over 1,100 hotel rooms, the Le Fu Men gaming area, 10 restaurants, the luxurious 18,000 square foot Mandara Spa, nine retail shops and the 3,000 plus seat Event C

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