Philippines integrated resort Okada Manila has implemented strict new health and safety guidelines to combat the spread of COVID-19, including a “no standing” policy at all gaming tables and limiting the number of players allowed to sit at any one table to four.
The restrictions, which mirror those recently implemented in all Macau casinos, also include a requirement to leave at least one empty seat between slot machines, while cleaning staff will increase the frequency of sanitization procedures on the gaming floor. Okada Manila introduced the new measures without prompting by gaming regulator PAGCOR, stating that the property aimed to fully safeguard the health and well-being of both team members and guests.
“Our Reward Circle members and non-members can play and be safe from the virus at the same time,” said Senior Vice President for Premium Marketing, Shirley Tam.
“We are now implementing ‘no-standing and 4 players only’ on all of our gaming tables. We also have the ‘one seat apart’ policy on our slot machines. Electronic Gaming Machines across the gaming floor will be sanitized every two hours. Additional hand sanitizers are available in key locations in our gaming area and we frequently sanitize our slot machines.”
Okada Manila said its preventive measures, which cover the entire property, will also include thermal scanning at all entry points and the regular cascading of information materials to staff, while medical care is available across the premises including medical personnel and emergency vehicles on standby.
“The safety and well-being of our patrons is our topmost priority,” said Okada Manila Chief Operations Officer Byron Yip. “This is why we are implementing these additional measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to our integrated resort.”