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North Star Mohican Casino Resort reopens on 26 May21 May 2020(PRESS RELEASE) -- North Star Mohican Casino Resort announces steps of reopening amid COVID-19 shutdown. For the first time in 28 years, North Star Mohican Casino Resort temporarily shut down its operation on 21 March 2020. After weeks of careful planning, hard work, and consideration for employees’ and customers’ health and safety, North Star is now preparing to open its doors back to the public on 26 May 2020, at 8 a.m. “Our Tribal Council and executives have been working tirelessly for the past 60 days to safely reopen and welcome our valued employees and customers back to our property and community,” said Shannon Holsey, President of Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians. “Our team did an amazing job developing a comprehensive reopening plan and should be commended for their attention to detail for everyone’s overall safety and well being.” North Star Mohican Casino Resort has provided a great experience for the past 28 years to their visitors, and has supported numerous families and the community by being the largest employer in Shawano County. “The health and safety of our guests, employees, and the community is our top priority,”said Michael Bonakdar, General Manager of North Star Mohican Casino Resort and Pine Hills Golf Course.“As part of our commitment, we want to reassure the public that the North Star Mohican Casino Resort team has been diligently planning and implementing processes to ensure we are doing our absolute best to mitigate any potential spread of COVID-19 upon reopening of the casino, resort and its amenities.” Bonakdar is working closely with the executive leadership team, Tribal Council, and strategic partners to ensure they are fully prepared to reopen the casino and resort on 26 May that 8 a.m. The casino and resort will open completely non-smoking and very limited capacity for many of its gaming and non-gaming operations to implement social distancing. Upon reopening,the casino will close daily from 3 a.m. to 7 a.m. for deep cleaning. Bingo, table games operations, RV park, buffet, and self-service drink station swill remain closed until further evaluation. All shows, entertainment, conventions, and events have been cancelled in May and June. Entertainment beyond July is being evaluated and scheduling will be based on lifting social distancing restrictions. All revised operational hours and FAQs have been provided on the North Star Mohican Casino Resort website. Numerous preventative measures have been put into place with five key protocols as part of North Star’s comprehensive Star Safety Plan, listed below: Health and Safety Protocol: Implementation of increased health and safety practices, including: the use of face masks and other personal protection equipment, plexiglass windows, sanitization and cleaning supplies, and additional safety measures and precautions, training, and enhanced policies. Proper cleaning and disinfectant practices by all team members will be strictly enforced throughout the property. Non-invasive and no-contact temperature check screening at all entrances for employees, guests and visitors.Face masks will be required for all to enter the building and to remain on property. Social Distancing Protocol: Implementation and management of casino and resort space and distance control to avoid any potential exposure. All spaces throughout the casino resort have been configured to allow for social distancing with regards to seating and maximum occupancy numbers. This would include; entrances, casino floor, gaming devices, food and beverage outlets, employee break rooms, office environment, and all other appropriate areas. Technology, policies, procedures, and training have been initiated to monitor, analyze, and control casino and resort occupancy levels. Some amenities and services will not be available due to limited capacity. Safety signs and reminders will be posted throughout the resort. Cleaning and Sanitization Protocol: Implementation of enhanced cleaning and sanitization procedures and increased frequency to occur throughout the day. Increased number of employees cleaning all surfaces, increased hand sanitizer stations, disinfectant wipe stations throughout the casino and resort, including all team member areas. Hand washing and use of sanitizer is expected for all. In addition,an industrial strength atomizer,air purification and UV equipment will be utilized as part of the daily sanitization process for appropriate areas. Engineering Protocol: Implementation of automation, technology and manual processes to eliminate potential exposure. While maintaining building, fire, and health codes,we have eliminated as many “touch points” for both employees and guests. In addition, propping open non-security or fire rated doors, motion sensor activated lighting controls, routing staff and patron movements to help minimize individuals in the same area at any one time. Air Quality Protocol: Implementation of practices to ensure the highest possible level of casino and resort air quality. No smoking will be permitted in the casino,resort, or employee areas during reopening of the casino. Outdoor areas will be designated for smoking. Systems are in place to improve air circulation and ventilation, replenishing the casino with fresh outside air. Air temperature and CO levels will be monitored in real-time to make proper adjustments. In addition,all hotel guest rooms have their own heating and cooling units. The North Star management team will continue to monitor the situation and all CDC and WHO guidelines to continuously improve processes, training, and operational practices. “Upon reopening, many of our services and casino capacity levels will be monitored very closely to ensure all protocols are followed appropriately and adjusted as needed,” said Bonakdar.“Our team will be ready and committed to welcoming our customers back while providing the friendliest and safest service our guests deserve and expect from us.” The Tribal Council and the North Star team would like to take this opportunity to thank all essential staff and everyone aligning efforts to take care of the sick and risk their health daily to help and save those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Without your commitment and bravery,we would not be able to reopen.Your efforts will not be forgotten and are very appreciated. |