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Whitmer signs order allowing Detroit casinos to partially reopen beginning Aug. 5

Casinos to open at 15% capacity
Posted at 7:56 PM, Jul 29, 2020
and last updated 2020-08-06 18:48:31-04

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed late Wednesday an executive order that allows Detroit casinos to partially reopen at 15 percent capacity starting Aug. 5.

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In a statement from the governor's office it says, "Casinos must also, among other things, conduct a daily entry screening protocol for customers and employees, temperature screening. Casinos must require patrons to wear a face covering, except while eating or drinking or for identification purposes."

At the start of the pandemic in March, the three Detroit casinos – MGM Grand, Greektown and Motor City – announced temporary closures in an attempt to slow spread of the virus. At that time, it was uncertain the timeframe for reopening.

RELATED: MGM Grand Detroit, Greektown & MotorCity casinos temporarily closing amid COVID-19 outbreak

Months later, and after significant revenue loss on top of big layoffs, the casinos are now prepping for reopening with the governor's approval.

Back in June, MGM Grand Detroit revealed its strict safety plan for reopening, voluntarily presenting it to the governor's office and the Michigan Gamin Control Board.

"When you first enter, this is where we can provide hand sanitizer to sanitize obviously," said David Tsai, MGM President and COO. "All guests and employees are required to wear a masks while they're in our facility."

RELATED: MGM Grand reveals strict safety protocol as Detroit casinos prepare to reopen

MGM collaborated with other casinos in the city on the plan.

Additional Coronavirus information and resources:

Click here for a page with resources including a COVID-19 overview from the CDC, details on cases in Michigan, a timeline of Governor Gretchen Whitmer's orders since the outbreak, coronavirus' impact on Southeast Michigan, and links to more information from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC and the WHO.

View a global coronavirus tracker with data from Johns Hopkins University.

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