As soon as Royal River Casino & Hotel in Flandreau, SD, closed on April 1, a task force began developing a strategic plan for how to successfully reopen the casino with proper social-distancing and preventative protocols. After six weeks of planning and dozens of task-force meetings, the Royal River will launch a soft reopening for a small number of invited guests and media over Memorial Day weekend, then reopen to the public at 8 a.m. on May 29.
All team members are receiving extensive training on the new cleaning and social-distancing protocols, as well as health screenings that include temperature checks before each shift. Personal protective equipment for staff will include face masks, a clear face shield, and gloves that they are required to wear at all times while on property.
A cleaning and restoration service is fully disinfecting and sanitizing all areas of the casino and hotel. High-volume locations where queuing takes place will be clearly marked to ensure six feet of distance between parties. Patrons will find a paneling system between all slot machines and at table games that provides polycarbonate shielding between players. Increased staff has access to custodial products to expand the frequency of cleaning and sanitizing entrance and exit doors, door handles and knobs, and locks, handrails, elevator buttons, light switches, slot handles and armrests, faucets and toilet-flush levers, and more.
Guest entrance points will be temporarily limited to the main casino and hotel entrances. Team members will screen guests, who will be asked to use hand sanitizer from stations throughout the property and offered masks and gloves to wear.
The buffet will remain closed; the restaurant will be menu-only dining. The pool and spa will remain closed. Birthday promotions are suspended and entertainment isn’t scheduled to restart until June 30.
