Follow Pat & PhillyVoice on Twitter: @Pat_Ralph | @thePhillyVoice We are hopeful to return employees to work and increase hours when the executive order is lifted, operations expand and business demand returns," she wrote. McDevitt said 60% of his union members had been scheduled to return to work this week. While the state has not indicated yet when indoor dining could resume, Borgata decided to move forward with its reopening plans and began welcoming select guests back to the entertainment venue on Thursday. For restaurants, tables may be. The casino will host an invitation-only soft opening starting July 23, Borgata officials told The Associated Press on Tuesday, and will open its doors to everyone three days later. Above, Bally's, Ocean Resort and Hard Rock Casino are illuminated at dusk despite being shuttered during the coronavirus pandemic on May 7, 2020, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. But even when Plousis compared the profit to the third quarter of 2019, the casinos still did almost 30 percent better this year than before the pandemic. Get information on travel restrictions by country with our map. Our goal is certainly to avoid crowds, she said. With this extension, we are also changing our earning year to January 1 December 31 from whats historically been October 1 September 30, extending your benefits an additional three months and moving to a calendar year thats easier to understand and track. "Through efficiencies, every operator posted a profit in the third quarter, a great accomplishment coming out of an extremely challenging period," Plousis said in a statement. Add Pat's RSS feed to your feed reader ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey -- Atlantic City tried Prohibition once before. Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City reopened to the public on Sunday after being shut down for over four months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing is being enforced with floor markers reminding people to keep six feet apart. The Borgata sent a letter to workers Friday afternoon outlining the cuts. This FAQ supplements the information on the Conseils aux voyageurs (Travel advice, in French only) section. Borgata, like other casinos across the state, is operating at 25% capacity and enforcing strict COVID-19 health and safety guidelines that guests and employees must follow. Starting this past Thursday, restaurants and bars in New Jersey had to stop indoor service between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. every night. 695 0 obj <> endobj Patrons and employees are subject to temperature checks and must wear masks at all times. All Rights Reserved. Borgata is navigating the pandemic and the economic downturn with new leadership. Bob McDevitt, president of the main Atlantic City casino workers union, said he did not know of any other casino that had done layoffs since the limits were announced on Monday. "This is like Catholic school: A handful of people misbehaves, and the entire class gets punished," McDevitt said. Regrettably, due to the adjusted operations and overall impact of the pandemic on business, weve been forced to modify our staffing levels, Borgata President Melonie Johnson wrote. Workers and customers are being screened for COVID-19 symptoms upon entry and having their temperatures taken. In-room dining will be offered all day Saturday and Sunday, and from 4 p.m. to midnight on weekdays. Last Updated Mar. On Sunday, eating and drinking options included a beer garden and food trucks, spaces poolside and under a large tent to eat takeout, as well as hotel room service. %PDF-1.5 % It also must stop serving beverages on the casino floor, which will remain open around the clock. The casino is laying off 73 workers and reducing the hours of 349 others. Some amenities will be limited initially, but the casino said that it plans to open additional venues in the coming weeks and months. Smoking was still allowed. The Borgata was the only one to decide not to immediately reopen on July 2, the first day New Jersey Gov. Murphy also said crowds at popular spots at the Jersey Shore and elsewhere have not been following social distancing rules or wearing masks. No indoor drinking or dining. Pat Ralph Prime vantage points allow guests to take in water or city views in tastefully decorated Classic Rooms. Tropicana's profit was $48 million, up from $18.2 million; Hard Rock had a $46 million profit, up from nearly $21 million; Harrah's had a profit of nearly $44 million, up from $19.3 million; and the Ocean casino had a $37 million profit, up from $24 million. The measure also impacts clubs, lounges, and casinos. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revised its guidance on masks, allowing states to ease or outright remove certain COVID-19 restrictions. In-room dining will be offered all day Saturday and Sunday, and from 4 p.m. to midnight on weekdays. On Tuesday, casino executives huddled in staff meetings, looking for more information and trying to decide whether it made sense to reopen at all. But with Borgata reopening its doors, all nine Atlantic City casinos are now operating. "This is a 180-degree turnaround," he said. The venue installed hand-washing stations and clear partitions to protect those working the table games, and also marked off every other slot machine to allow for physical distance between players. Travel requirements. Instead, it will wait. 730 0 obj <>stream ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) Atlantic Citys top casino is laying off or cutting the hours of 422 workers in what it says is a direct reaction to strict new indoor dining limits imposed by Gov. The top-performing casino, the Borgata, almost immediately folded what it saw as a losing hand, announcing it was scrapping its reopening plans for the immediate future. According to the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, the casinos showed a collective gross operating profit of $310 million from July to September. The casino is also offering grab-and-go options at certain locations. Hand sanitizer stations have been set up across the casino floor and staffers are conducting increased cleaning of hotel rooms and public spaces. Phil Murphy. Phil Murphy. Above, a gambler playing a slot machine at Bally's casino in Atlantic City on June 23, 2021. Borgata is Committed to Safety In compliance with Governor Murphy's Executive Order, fully vaccinated guests are no longer required to wear masks. Bet With Your Head, Not Over It. "No booze? The hotel is open at limited capacity, and the outdoor pool is available to guests too. New president and COO Melonie Johnson, who previously worked at the resorts parent company, took over at the end of May. However, after the state postponed the resumption of indoor dining at limited capacity earlier this month, Borgata indefinitely paused its reopening plans. 2023 WWB Holdings, LLC. Effective January 5 at 12:01 Eastern Time, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will require a negative COVID-19 test result, taken within two days of departure, or proof of recovery from the virus within the last 90 days, for all travelers, age two years and older, to the United States on flights originating from the Laid-off workers will remain on the casinos health insurance plan through Dec. 31. Profits at Atlantic City's nine casinos more than doubled in the third quarter of this year after New Jersey lifted most of its COVID-19 restrictions in May, the Associated Press reported.. From 21 October 2022, all COVID-19 travel restrictions for travellers to Spain have been lifted. Borgata, the citys casino market leader and one of its largest employers, put its reopening plans on hold in late June when Gov. The latest figures for Covid-19 in Spain, published on Friday February 3rd, showed that the number of people hospitalised has fallen by 12.1 percent over the last week and by 15.2 percent in the ICU. Atlantic City's casinos made more money in the third quarter of 2021 than pre-pandemic in the third quarter of 2019. Phil Murphy allowed casinos to do so. Atlantic City Casinos Reopen in a Changed Coronavirus Pandemic World, Ready to Return, 4,000 Atlantic City Casino Workers Told No, New Jersey Bill Seeks to Ban Sale of Baby Wipes, Check Your Change! The reopening started Thursday at the Borgata casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Many casinos had planned to reopen Thursday, the first day the state will let them. These Valuable Pennies Are Worth Thousands, Pa. Woman Went Missing in 1992 and Declared Dead. The Borgata sent a letter to workers Friday afternoon outlining the cuts. But the Borgata decided not to reopen immediately under those conditions. Their health insurance ends Wednesday, he added. These Valuable Pennies Are Worth Thousands, Pa. Woman Went Missing in 1992 and Declared Dead. Full coverage of the COVID-19 outbreak and how it impacts you, Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Add Pat's RSS feed to your feed reader Pat Ralph Instead, it will wait until conditions are more favorable. CDC's Summary of its Recent Guidance Review [212 KB, 8 Pages] A comprehensive review of CDC's existing COVID-19 guidance to ensure they were evidence-based and free of politics. Masks. Friday: 4PM - 12AM The Borgata did not give any information on the new eatery, saying details will be released "in the coming months." Atlantic City's casinos, and the restaurants inside them, have been operating at reduced capacity since reopening last summer amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In other words, more than half of the Spanish population - 26.2 million people - are living in a region where community transmission is widespread and . Some vowed to come anyway, mixing drinks in their rooms and bringing sandwiches for dinner. Wynn completes $1.7B sale, leaseback of . Poker and valet parking will not be available and operating hours could vary. hb``` eah r`#Y0.fevMYu9+ French people who are living abroad, travelling or returning from abroad, as well as visitors from abroad, will find answers below to frequently asked questions on COVID-19 measures. He said Monday that Health Department officials say indoor settings make it easier for the virus to spread compared with outdoors. Liz Warren cleans a clear barrier on the casino floor at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City on Sunday, the first day the casino hotel was open to the public since closing in March due to coronavirus restrictions. Within minutes of Murphy's announcements, made in a news release issued shortly before 10 p.m. Monday, social media lit up with complaints. Casinos were allowed to open in early July at 25% capacity. The other eight Atlantic City casinos, which had been closed since March due to the coronavirus pandemic, reopened their doors earlier this month. New Jersey will join New York and Connecticut in dropping many of its largest remaining coronavirus restrictions May 19, including removing fixed, percentage-based indoor capacity limits at . She Was Just Found in Puerto Rico, Eagles Have a Shot to Land the Top Cornerback in 2023 Draft. Masks are being provided to those who dont have them. "That does raise the question of the potential impact on future employment in the casinos, and if some currently unfilled jobs might ultimately be eliminated.". The Borgata says it plans to bring back about 40% of its staff when it reopens. This year's third-quarter gross operating profit is over twice the amount in 2020, which was $151 million. PhillyVoice Staff, New Jersey issues guidance allowing students to opt for all-remote learning this upcoming school year, Atilis Gym forced to shut down again after violating New Jerseys COVID-19 business restrictions, Mega Millions ticket worth $123 million sold in New Jersey, Phillies injury update: Andrew Painter has a tender elbow, Coworker charged with kidnapping, killing missing Sellersville man, Eli Lilly slashed insulin prices, starting a race to the bottom, NBC10 hires Fred Shropshire to replace Jim Rosenfield as weekday evening anchor, Developer proposes $150 million luxury hotel on Ocean City Boardwalk, Construction of Penn's Landing park over I-95 finally approved to begin, PennDOT says. Borgata management is also hoping sports fans will still place their bets at the sports book. It initially was slated to resume in early July, but it was postponed indefinitely after COVID-19 cases spiked in other states that had reopened restaurants during the summer. Each seat at the table is cleaned between guests.Read more MONICA HERNDON / Staff Photographer Borgata has been forced to shut down indoor dining service at its restaurants and bars between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. every night. "It looks a lot different. The state Department of Public Health recommends that venues check vaccination or test status for such "mega events." It's been very pleasant," said Bob Homans, who visited for the day from Baltimore with his wife, Mary. But the Borgata decided to wait. Trump calls off Florida component of Republican National Convention over COVID-19 concern, New COVID-19 relief bill: GOP set to unveil package 'next week'. . Sunday - Thursday: 9AM - 8PM State, tribal, local, and territorial governments may have travel restrictions in place. Bob McDevitt, president of the main Atlantic City casino workers' union, said he did not know of any other casino that had done layoffs since the limits were announced on Monday. Source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Division of Viral Diseases. It also will also offer room service. Caesars Interactive Entertainment New Jersey had a profit of nearly $5 million, up from $4.8 million, and Resorts Digital's profit was $3.8 million, down from $6 million in the third quarter last year. "Steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19". It also must stop serving beverages on the casino floor, which will remain open around the clock. Indoor dining resumed in New Jersey in September after being shut down for nearly six months. Not just for me but then to finally make the phone calls for my staff," said Jennifer Aarons, Director of Recreation Services. Give us your digits; we'll give you all the insider deals and info. Phil Murphy said Monday, removing limits on outdoor gatherings and allowing stores, restaurants, theaters, and other businesses to operate at full capacity as long as they keep patrons six feet apart. New Jersey will lift many coronavirus restrictions later this month, Gov. The daily death toll has been in the single digits and teens in recent weeks, compared to the 25 to 45 deaths. Profits at Atlantic City's nine casinos more than doubled in the third quarter of this year after New Jersey lifted most of its COVID-19 restrictions in May, the Associated Press reported. 2023 WWB Holdings, LLC. New Jersey recorded 4,395 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, increasing the statewide total to 274,736 since the public health crisis began in March. All rights reserved, Biden Proposes $1.6 Billion to Crack Down on COVID Relief Fraud, Savannah Guthrie Tests Positive for COVID-19 During Live TODAY Broadcast, New Jersey Bill Seeks to Ban Sale of Baby Wipes, Check Your Change! Let us know. 0 ft King Bed Max Guest 2 Borgata's classic Italian style, elevated. Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa was the last of the Atlantic City casinos to reopen amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Phil Murphy announced that though casinos were permitted to reopen in early July, indoor eating, drinking and smoking would be prohibited. The Borgata and all of the other casinos are open but under serious restrictions. Phil Murphy. We appreciate our guests' and employees' patience and understanding and look forward to welcoming them back.". Borgata spokesperson Liza Costandino said the leadership team felt comfortable reopening Sunday after a soft opening Thursday to guests on an invite-only basis. All rights reserved. Twenty-five percent capacity. Ocean Casino Resort and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino had the highest rates, with both over 96 percent. Its our job to maintain social distance among both guests and employees.. Some said they were scrapping long-planned trips, and others said they would take their business to Pennsylvania casinos. But New Jersey will ban both, again, when Atlantic City's nine casinos reopen after more than three months of coronavirus-related shutdowns. Following the Governors directive to postpone indoor dining, we took a step back to reassess our reopening date to ensure we could give our guests the world-class experience they expect from us, safely, Melonie Johnson, the Borgata's president and chief operating officer, said in a statement. In the wake of New Jersey reimplementing restrictions on indoor dining service across the state, more than 400 employees at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City will be subject to a layoff or a reduction in hours. She Was Just Found in Puerto Rico, Eagles Have a Shot to Land the Top Cornerback in 2023 Draft. Barriers have been implemented where social distancing could be difficult to enforce, such as at many table games. "They can sit down and relax, enjoy the pool, have some food and beverage and some great sunshine.". Alongside lifting restrictions, some governments are significantly scaling back their COVID-19 testing capabilities. Each seat at the table is cleaned between guests. Terms of Use 715 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<848B9324AF195B4BA98A9BA3268AEB40>]/Index[695 36]/Info 694 0 R/Length 95/Prev 187920/Root 696 0 R/Size 731/Type/XRef/W[1 2 1]>>stream The Borgata casino will reopen on July 26, the last of Atlantic City's nine gambling resorts to resume operating amid the coronavirus outbreak. We ask guests to stay at home if they have COVID-19 related symptoms or live with someone who has recently tested positive. Let us know. Gov. Costandino said the resort isnt disclosing how many of its employees have been brought back to work, but she said it isnt the entire workforce. Casino president Melonie Johnson said the cuts were in response to limits that took effect Thursday night under which indoor dining must halt from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Hospitalizations for COVID-19 have plummeted 73% from April 1 to 628 on Wednesday. "There's several options just in this area that people can use to enjoy," said Aarons. Ocean and Hard Rock had the highest occupancy rate for the quarter at more than 96 percent; Caesars was over 93 percent full. Bally's posted a $2 million operating profit in the third quarter of this year, compared with a $13 million profit last year when it was still owned by Caesars Entertainment. It worked so well that Nucky Johnson, the legendary politician and racketeer, built a Boardwalk empire immortalized on HBO nearly a century later. Every seat at the tables is cleaned after each use. Follow Wayne Parry at http://twitter.com/WayneParryAC, This Oct. 1, 2020, photo shows the exterior of the Borgata casino in Atlantic City, N.J. On Nov. 13, 2020, the Borgata laid off or reduced the hours of 422 workers in response to new restrictions on indoor dining imposed by New Jersey Gov. Before You Travel Make sure to plan ahead: Get up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines before you travel. Because we wanted to make sure that whatever we produce for our guests for outdoor dining, it would represent our brand," said Melonie Johnson, Borgata's new President and Chief Operating Officer. Message and data rates may apply. Many casinos had planned to reopen Thursday, the first day the state will let them. Have a news tip? Follow Pat & PhillyVoice on Twitter: @Pat_Ralph | @thePhillyVoice Borgata officials told The Associated Press on. Regrettably, due to the adjusted operations and overall impact of the pandemic on business, weve been forced to modify our staffing levels, Johnson wrote in her letter to workers. hbbd``b`+@, I|?A+x "E !`R$ (1$&F&7 " UC Saturday: 12PM - 12AM put its reopening plans on hold in late June, California residents do not sell my data request. Check the entry, vaccination, COVID-19 testing, and quarantine requirements by country before planning your next trip. To comply with the order, the casino is closing its restaurants each night at 10 p.m. "Atlantic City's recovery is gaining momentum and is on track for an impressive year.". Phil Murphy. Vaccine and testing regulations: As of April 1, 2022, vaccination verification or a negative COVID-19 test is no longer required to attend indoor events with more than 1,000 people. Like us on Facebook: PhillyVoice Have a news tip? Laid-off workers will remain on the casino's health insurance plan through Dec. 31. New Jersey recorded 4,395 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, increasing the statewide total to 274,736 since the public health crisis began in March. But the last thing casinos want is their patrons leaving the premises, for any reason. However, because the casinos were still operating under COVID capacity restrictions, James Plousis, chair of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, told AP that the results are not comparable. Casino president Melonie Johnson said the cuts were in response to limits that took effect Thursday night under which indoor dining must halt from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Phil Murphy allowed casinos to do so. Murphys order came as the coronavirus rate of infection and number of cases climbs higher in New Jersey and across the country. We are hopeful to return employees to work and increase hours when the executive order is lifted, operations expand and business demand returns, she wrote. Located in Atlantic City, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa has a number of amenities including a casino, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and a garden. Guests who have not been fully vaccinated are encouraged to continue wearing a mask. sl@uLB\4&)+9)))5x'laajR's%(tHD hhPh`hhhhbX~1BqnZ2Dz?wmW`;[9:L>iF H10(vYW )S; K By joining this subscription program you authorize MGM Grand to send you automated marketing text message at the mobile number provided. Stimulus and Business Updates, Share your coronavirus story with Eyewitness News, Stimulus check scams and other coronavirus hoaxes, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on coronavirus, Total count of NYC, Long Island COVID-19 cases based on patient address, Subway attack victim finds little comfort in NYPD's new crime stats, Male killed in police-involved shooting in Paterson, Deaths of 2 men drugged, beaten after night out ruled homicides. That caused casinos to scramble to make other plans, including setting up temporary outdoor quarters and offering grab-and-go bags that customers can eat outside or in their hotel rooms. The Borgata sent a letter to workers Friday afternoon outlining the cuts. Liz Warren cleans a clear barrier on the casino floor at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City on Sunday, the first day the casino hotel was open to the public since closing in March due to coronavirus restrictions. Drink servers and indoor restaurant workers were to comprise a significant portion of the force that had been envisioned. Very empty. Phil Murphy said that the states latest number of COVID-19 infections was alarming and concerning.. Copyright 2023 WPVI-TV. Because food isn't allowed to be served inside, poolside dining became crucial, along with the addition of food and beverage trucks just outside the casino. Venues such as Borgata reopened their doors for the first time during the COVID-19 pandemic in July after being closed for four months. The bans will also reduce the number of laid-off workers who will return. endstream endobj startxref Some grumbled that the governor had sucked the fun out of the casino experience, even as a smaller number defended the decision on public health grounds. To comply with the order, the casino is closing its restaurants each night at 10 p.m. Disappointing gaming revenue in Macao continues to saddle Las Vegas company-owned operations in the Chinese region as a result of COVID-19 restrictions. The Resorts and Ocean casinos said they will reopen Thursday as planned. Sign up for NBC Philadelphia newsletters. Murphy's order came as the coronavirus rate of infection and number of cases climbs higher in New Jersey and across the country.