A member of the Rhode Island National Guard directs motorists as volunteers with the Dairy Farmers of America distribute free milk to families in need, Wednesday, May 27, 2020, in Pawtucket, R.I. Dairy farmers have a milk surplus because demand has dropped as schools and restaurants closed during the coronavirus pandemic, and some farmers have had to pour excess milk away. Farmers donated the 4,300 gallons of milk given away today at McCoy Stadium. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
May 29, 2020 - 9:34 AM
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Rhode Island's two casinos plan to reopen June 8 by invitation only with new measures in place to ensure the health and safety of workers and guests, including temperature checks.
The reopening of the Twin River Casino Hotel in Lincoln and the Tiverton Casino Hotel, both operated by Twin River Worldwide Holdings Inc., will be limited to reward program members and one guest each, and each facility will be limited to about 25% of capacity.
Only video slots spaced six feet apart, and virtual table games, will be available at first, the casinos said in a statement Friday.
Face coverings will be mandatory for guests and staff, and security staff will conduct a non-invasive temperature check on guests.
The Lincoln property will be managed as three mini casinos with separate entrances. Upon entry, guests will receive a colour-coded wrist band that will identify their assigned gaming room.
The casino floors will be continually cleaned.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome back our guests to both of our Rhode Island casinos and to do so in a safe manner,” casino President Marc Crisafulli said.
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ZOO OUTLINES REOPENING PLANS
The Roger Williams Park Zoo, one of Rhode Island's most popular attractions, will begin a phased reopening starting Monday when members only are invited to visit, the zoo posted on its website.
The Providence zoo, which closed to the public on March 14 because of the coronavirus pandemic, will reopen to Rhode Island residents only starting Wednesday, and will reopen to all on June 8.
Workers at the zoo, which has 160 species on 40 acres, have created a detailed plan to welcome visitors back, officials told The Providence Journal.
Visitors will have to reserve tickets in advance for a specific entrance time. They will be required to wear face coverings and have their temperatures checked before entering. Once inside, they will be required to follow a one-way pedestrian pattern and keep an appropriate distance from other groups, zoo spokeswoman Diane Nahabedian said.
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SUMMER CAMPS Cancelled
Some Rhode Island towns are cancelling summer camps for children even though Gov. Gina Raimondo said camps would be allowed to go on with certain health and safety protocols in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Richmond Town Administrator Karen Pinch tells The Westerly Sun that town-run camps have been cancelled because of the difficulty of adhering to the governor's guidelines.
Hopkinton Recreation Director Mary Sawyer said the guidelines would have made running the camp next to impossible.
Charlestown Town Administrator Mark Stankiewicz said distancing requirements would have made it especially difficult to care for children on rainy days.
News from © The Associated Press, 2020