As the recent coronavirus outbreak continues to spread across the globe, the United States is beginning to feel the pinch. A number of changes have already been implemented in a bid to deal with the issue. In Pennsylvania, one of the ways that are being used to combat the spread of the virus is the closure of certain non-essential spaces. These spaces include large gatherings or recreational activities such as movie theaters, gyms as well as shopping malls.

As of this writing, four of the Keystone States have stopped their operations temporarily alongside several other businesses. This temporary closure is being implemented in order to prevent the possibility of further spread of the coronavirus. In addition to that, the state’s residents have also been warned against non-essential travel within certain counties.

Valley Forge Casino and Harrah’s Philadelphia have ceased their operations until further notice due to the virus. Information about potential reopening dates will be made available once everything cools down and the spread of the virus has been contained.

Rivers Casino Philadelphia, on the other hand, has chosen to voluntarily close its business for a total of 14 days beginning midnight on Sunday. The same goes for Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh, in particular, was already on the spot after its mayor, Bill Peduto, declared a state of emergency on Friday. This restricted any gathering that involves more than 250 people.

More Efforts

Rivers Casino Philadelphia voluntarily closed in March when the coronavirus pandemic hit Pennsylvania. They remained shuttered for four months and reopened on July 17, marking the longest coronavirus-caused closure of any brick-and-mortar casino in Pennsylvania. Rivers Casino Philadelphia - COVID-19 - Philadelphia - Pennsylvania. Casinos in Pennsylvania are once again closing due to the rapid rise of COVID-19 cases. All PA casinos will be closed from Dec. 4, and possibly longer. PlayPennsylvania will continue to provide updates on Pennsylvania casino closures and eventual reopenings as information becomes available. The temporary closure of the Rivers Casino is the third one in Pennsylvania to suspend operations because of the coronavirus, said Richard McGarvey, state gaming commission spokesman. Latest Casino and Gambling News, Gaming Law & Legislation, Casino News, Casino closures, Gaming Industry News, Economy/Finance, Pennsylvania Every one of the twelve casinos in Pennsylvania. PA casinos were allowed to re-open as of Jan. 4 after a short closure period, and most did in fact re-open that day or in subsequent days. River Casino Philadelphia remains closed at least untill Jan. Updates From PlayPennsylvania here. Rhode Island casinos. The two Rhode Island casinos, Twin River Casino in Lincoln and Tiverton, re-opened.

Various health centers across the United States have already set up both advisory and screening hotlines where residents will be able to find assistance. In addition to that, there are dozens of testing centers spread across the state.

Speaking on the matter, Richard McGarvey who is the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board’s spokesperson said that everyone in the state should adhere to the guidelines that have been outlined by the state’s department of health. He went on to comment on the casinos that are closing down voluntarily for playing their part in the fight to control the spread of the virus. Seems like online gaming is the way to go now.

“As the situation changes and as the governor and the Health Department come out with ‘Here’s what needs to be happening,’ the casinos so far I think have been open to that and doing those requirements.”

Thankfully, Dozens of casinos in the United States have been taking the necessary steps just like in Pennsylvania. For instance, Las Vegas’ MGM and Wynn Resorts properties have shut down their operations. On a similar note, Hard Rock, which is widely known for its live entertainment offerings, has canceled all those events. These include concerts as well as nightclub entertainment.

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COVID-19 cases in Pennsylvania are at record highs. On Nov. 13, the Pennsylvania Department of Health reported that there were 5,531 new positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 254,387. It is the fourth consecutive day that the state has reported a record number of cases.

Play Pennsylvania asked the PA Department of Health if the rising numbers meant a return to the color-coded phases and possible temporary closures for casinos in Pennsylvania.

A representative responded:

“There is no plan at this time to return to the red, yellow, green mitigation steps and stay-at-home order that occurred in the spring.”

Some tips to slow the spread

The PA Department of Health reiterated that it was very concerned about the increase in cases. The representative said:

“We currently have protections in place, like wearing a mask and limits on large gatherings. Pennsylvanians can stop the spread. It is all of our responsibility to do the right thing. These are things that we can continue to do to stop the spread of COVID-19:

• Teleworking.
• Isolating or quarantining if you test positive or have exposure to someone who has.
• Businesses limiting capacity to 50%.”

More restrictions for Philadelphia?

Of the record number of cases reported on Friday, 1,158 were from Philadelphia. Mayor Jim Kenney’s office did not provide any indication of what its “changes in restrictions” might be and said they are still being finalized. Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley earlier this week said all restrictions are being considered, even a complete lockdown, according to Yahoo! News.

Rivers Casino Philadelphia is currently the only casino within the city limits. Live! Casino Philadelphia is expected to open in early 2021.

Rivers Philadelphia closed in mid-March and reopened on July 17. It experienced the longest closure of all 12 casinos in the commonwealth.

We must do everything we can to stop the spread of COVID-19 in Philadelphia. Specific details are still being finalized, but we plan to announce changes to restrictions on Monday, November 16. https://t.co/fgAPsfbU3P

— Jim #MaskUpPHL Kenney (@PhillyMayor) November 13, 2020

Health and safety protocols at PA casinos

Before you visit a casino in Pennsylvania, there are few things you should know. Your next visit will look different than your previous pre-coronavirus-closure casino excursion. Per the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB), all casinos in the state must follow COVID-19 Casino Reopening Protocols, which detail the minimum safety and health-related requirements that are mandatory before reopening.

Key points to remember are:

• Casinos can reopen at 50% capacity.
• Employees and guests must wear masks.
• There are markings on the floor to promote social distancing.
• Enhanced cleaning is required throughout the facility.

Eating, drinking and smoking at PA casinos

In addition to the increased health and safety measures, some staples of casino visits have been put on a temporary pause.

Alcohol can only be served when food is purchased. Drink service on the casino floor is prohibited.

These new rules went into effect well before the November record-breaking numbers.

Under the guidance of the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the PGCB, there is currently no smoking in Pennsylvania casinos either (effective July 3).

Gov. Tom Wolf and Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine signed orders that mandated restaurants can’t serve alcohol for on-site consumption past 11 p.m. (effective Sept 21).

Hours of PA casinos

Casinos in Pennsylvania started to close in mid-March to slow the spread of coronavirus. They were closed for over 100 days before the first few started welcoming back guests in June. However, not all returned to around-the-clock operations.

Casinos in PA open 24 hours:

• Parx
• Presque Isle
• Rivers Casino Philadelphia
• Rivers Casino Pittsburgh (starting Nov. 16)
• Mount Airy Casino
• Wind Creek Casino
• Mohegan Sun Pocono
• Harrah’s Philadelphia

Hours of other casinos in PA

Any Casinos Open In Pa

The Meadows:

• Sunday-Thursday, 8-4 a.m.
• Friday-Saturday, 8-5 a.m.

Valley Forge Casino :

• Monday-Thursday, 10-3 a.m. Open 24 hours, 10 a.m. Friday through 3 a.m. Monday.

Hollywood Casino:

• Closed daily from 4 to 8 a.m. for deep cleaning.

Are Pa Casinos Closing Again

Lady Luck Nemacolin:

• Open 24 hours for slot gaming
• Table games hours:
  Monday-Friday, 3-12 a.m.
  Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m.-12 a.m.

1% of casino employees test positive

Penn Casino Closures

The PGCB released figures last week that showed that fewer than 1% of casinos employees have tested positive for COVID-19 since the 12 brick-and-mortar locations opened in June. Rivers Pittsburgh had 28 cases and Parx had 25. A full breakdown can be found here.

Online casinos in PA

When Will Pennsylvania Casinos Reopen

If you are 21+ and physically located in Pennsylvania, you don’t even have to leave your home to play. There are now 11 online casinos in Pennsylvania. Things got even livelier this week as Caesars and FanDuellaunched online live dealer games.

Casino Closing Party

Lead image credit: AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar