Barona Resort & Casino in San Diego will begin to reopen to the public in phases today at 10 a.m. The Barona Cares Health and Safety Plan includes continuous disinfecting and cleaning protocols, limiting capacity, social-distancing policies, required facial coverings for all staff and players, infrared temperature checks, and health and hygiene reminders property-wide. In addition, the entire casino will be non-smoking.
“We consider ourselves one big family and our goal is to ensure the well-being of our friends and family as we slowly begin to welcome players back to Barona,” said Chairman Edwin “Thorpe” Romero, Barona Band of Mission Indians. “We want them to have fun, but most importantly, we want them to feel safe and protected.”
Visitors will see every other slot machine turned off and chairs removed; the slot machines and chairs will be disinfected after each player. Table games have been reduced and will be limited to three players to ensure social distancing. Dice, table-game rails, and chairs will be disinfected after every player and touchless wagering will be in place at table games, meaning players never touch the chips. Plexiglass dividers have been installed property-wide, including Club Barona booths, cashier cage, all point-of-service stations in the food court and Sage Café, hotel check-in, and various back-of-the-house areas, among others.
All staff members will be required to attend PPE/COVID-19 training. The entire property has social-distancing signage and floor markers, with numerous health and hygiene reminders and increased availability of disinfecting wipes and hand-sanitizer stations.
The restaurants will open in phases, starting with Sage Café and the food court; the buffet will remain closed. Gameside dining will be available at slot machines, but not table games.
The hotel will reopen in phases, starting at approximately 35 percent capacity, but the pool, spa and fitness center will remain closed. The golf club, pro shop and snack bar will remain closed with a planned reopening in mid-June. Also closed are the poker room, valet services, gift shop, car wash, wedding chapel and events center. Barona’s busing program has also been discontinued until further notice.
