TRAVERSE CITY, MI — As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, two more northern Michigan tribal casinos are preparing to reopen this week with some precautions.
Leelanau Sands Casino and Lodge and Turtle Creek Casino and Hotel near Traverse City have announced plans to welcome back guests beginning 8 a.m. Friday, May 29.
Both are Grand Traverse Resort and Casinos properties owned and operated by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.
According to a news release, there will be several new coronavirus-related safety measures, including increased sanitation protocols, health-testing measures for guests and employees and social-distancing safeguards.
The reopening at both casinos is to occur in phases, with increased amenities added over time.
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Masks will be required of all guests and team members, and initially smoking will be allowed only in outdoor areas with a COVID-19 reentry procedure required. Guests are advised to be prepared to supply their own mask.
Temperature screening will be mandatory for all team members and guests prior to entering the property, and anyone with a temperature greater than 100.4 degrees will be asked to return home to recuperate.
The casinos also have installed plexiglass shields in close-contact areas as an added precaution.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has extended emergency stay-home orders through June 12, continuing the temporary closure of places such as theaters, gyms, salons and non-tribal casinos. Tribal casinos are not under the jurisdiction of the Michigan Gaming Control Board and the stay-home order does not apply to them.
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Turtle Creek Casino is schedule to be open daily until 3 a.m. with slot play starting at 7 a.m. and table games starting at 2 p.m. Leelanau Sands Casino plans to offer slot play daily from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. and table games from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Both casinos plan to use the closed hours for extensive cleaning and preparation, according to the news release.
Other safety precautions announced:
- Capacity will be limited to 350 guests at a time at Turtle Creek Casino and 125 guests at Leelanau Sands Casino, with entrances monitored and controlled by security.
- Guests will be asked to practice physical distancing of at least six feet and floor signage will help guide proper distance between guests.
- About one-third of gaming machines will be active and with seating removed to encourage safe distancing, and a limit of three guests per table game, with every other table open.
- Dining will be available upon opening with properly distanced seating at both properties.
- Bingo will resume at Leelanau Sands Casino starting Friday, June 5, with properly distanced seating, with regular session days and hours. (Wednesday-Friday starting at 6 p.m., Sunday starting at 1 p.m.)
- Accommodations at both Turtle Creek Casino and The Lodge at Leelanau Sand Casino will be open with a limited number of rooms to allow proper time for deep cleaning.
- Self-serve beverage areas will be closed, but complimentary soda and coffee will be available at staffed bar areas.
More information is available at turtlecreekcasino.com and leelanausandscasino.com.
COVID-19 PREVENTION TIPS
In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus.
Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible.
Use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and carry hand sanitizer with you when you go into places like stores.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has also issued an executive order requiring people to wear face coverings over their mouth and nose while inside enclosed, public spaces.
Read more MLive coronavirus coverage.
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