The MGM Casino in Springfield, Massachusetts, says it’s ready to re-open and will strictly enforce the wearing of masks.
The casino shut down in March because of COVID-19.
On Friday, it will welcome back its VIP customers, and on Monday, the general public. They will see new plexiglas dividers at gambling tables, fewer slot machines operating, and new hand-washing stations.
MGM vice president Seth Stratton said the casino will also make sure gamblers are wearing masks and it knows how to handle anyone who isn’t.
“We, as a hospitality company, are very used to de-escalating, having dialogues with our customers, and if they’re non-compliant, eventually they end up leaving the property," he said.
Stratton said there's an exception on mask-wearing while people are dining in the casino's restaurants.
They’re also allowed to lower their masks to take a sip of a drink while seated at a table game or slot machine. Stratton said MGM will be operating at about one-third of its capacity.