The Casino Association of New Jersey (CANJ) and healthcare system AtlantiCare will work together to create a “comprehensive plan” to reopen casinos in Atlantic City once New Jersey’s stay-at-home order is lifted.
AtlantiCare will share regional healthcare metrics, data, and forecasts with Atlantic City casinos and advise CANJ as it develops reopening protocols.
In addition it will provide information about best practices it has adopted within its own facilities and assist with potential collaboration with other healthcare providers.
“AtlantiCare is pleased to partner with the Casino Association of New Jersey to formulate a plan to safely reopen Atlantic City casinos to employees and guests,” Lori Herndon, president and chief executive of AtlantiCare said.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has not only threatened our health and safety, it has also threatened the stability of Atlantic City’s gaming and tourism industry, the industry’s workforce and families, and our state and local economies.
“The Atlantic City gaming industry is a cornerstone of the entire South Jersey economy and reopening it safely at the right time, along with the rest of our shore and regional businesses, must be our shared priority.”
On 16 March, Governor Ned Lamont of Connecticut, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo of New York and Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey jointly announced on a conference call that all casinos in their states would close as part of a ban on gatherings of more than 50 people.
CANJ president Steve Callender said the partnership would allow Atlantic City’s casinos to open as safely as possible when the order is lifted.
“We are grateful for the support and partnership from AtlantiCare as we devise a safe reopening strategy for the Atlantic City casino industry,” Callender, said. “At the Casino Association of New Jersey, our greatest priority is the health and safety of our employees, guests and fellow residents.
“We want Atlantic City to be ready to open as soon as the government determines it is appropriate to do so. That is why we are working with our regional healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive plan that ensures our properties are prepared and ready to reopen when the stay-at-home order is lifted.”
Callendar added that the two organisations will continue to refine and update the plan as local and state orders change.