The largest gambling and entertainment operator in Australia, Crown Resorts, revealed it intends to reopen its Crown Perth venue this Saturday. The casino will open its doors to customers after three months of inactivity as the local government imposed a lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The gambling operator has reached an agreement with the authorities of the Western Australia state to resume its operations with temporary restrictions in place. Under the governmental guidelines, the venue would resume operations at a limited capacity. The maximum allowed density of visitors on the premises is restricted to one visitor per every two square meters of floor space.
A spokesperson for Crown Resorts also confirmed that the gaming floor and the restaurants are to resume operation at 6 am this Saturday. Both visitors and staff members must comply with the local authorities’ mandates for hygiene requirements and physical distancing. The gaming venue must also turn off every second gambling machine on its floor in compliance with the Western Australian government’s requirements for social distancing.
The poker room at Crown Perth can commence operations on condition no more than five players are seated at a single table. The easing of the restrictions would also allow the venue to resume its nightlife as bars and clubs on the premises would also reopen.
Crown’s Melbourne Casino Resort Remains Closed for the Time Being
Ken Barton, Chief Executive of Operations of Crown Resorts, insisted that the company prioritises the safety and health of both its staff and patrons. All measures regarding social distancing and hygiene the operator plans to adopt were determined following a consultation with local authorities, including the Police Commissioner and the Chief Health Officer.
This is the fourth phase of the relaxing of the measures, which also includes removing the limits on maximum gatherings and giving the green light to concert shows. Additionally, the fourth phase annuls the requirements for customers and spectators to remain in their seats, which means they would be able to enjoy comedic performances and dance floors.
Crown Resorts shut down its entertainment venues in the cities of Perth and Melbourne on March 23 after the government announced it has decided to close down unessential businesses, casinos included, throughout the entire country.
Australia’s biggest gambling and entertainment group continued to offer reduced hotel accommodation. It even reached an agreement with the Australian authorities to provide accommodations to new arrivals from outside the country, who had to spend time in isolation due to quarantine measures.
The gambling operator also announced that its flagship Crown Melbourne venue is to remain closed for the time being. This decision can be explained by the recent increase in coronavirus cases in the Australian state of Victoria during the past days. By contrast, there have been only three recent cases of the virus in Western Australia, all of which involved quarantined individuals who have returned from abroad.
- Author
Olivia Cole
