City of Dreams Manila says it has begun preparations for a “soft reopening” by setting up COVID-19 testing for all staff, housing them onsite and reconfiguring its gaming floors, including a limit of just three players on any one gaming table.
In a detailed announcement issued this week, CoD Manila, owned and operated by Melco Resorts & Entertainment (Philippines), said it has already set up free COVID-19 testing for all staff returning to work, with relaunch currently pending approval from the Philippines government.
Staff already onsite and those called in for hospitality or gaming operations will have COVID antibody rapid testing conducted by medical professionals, with multiple testing booths and facilities having been set up inside the property in compliance with Department of Health standards, CoD Manila said. Those who are cleared will be immediately housed on site and in nearby hotels, with free shuttle buses provided to staff in nearby hotels. Anyone needing further testing will go into quarantine pending the results.
“The wellbeing of our colleagues is our paramount concern, more so in these fragile times,” said CoD Manila Chief Operating Officer Kevin Benning.
The property will also implement strict new health and safety protocols, including thermal screening, sanitation mats, mandatory use of face masks by staff and guests, and the provision of hand sanitizer by all entrances and high traffic areas.
A maximum of three players will be allowed at any one gaming table, with slot machines already reconfigured to be at least one meter apart. All restaurants will operate at a maximum 50% capacity, CoD said.
“We have been consulting with PAGCOR, the Department of Health and the Parañaque Health Office to fully comply with health standards and government guidelines, even going beyond the basic requirements whenever possible to ensure a safe environment for the health and well-being of City of Dreams Manila’s guests and colleagues,” Benning said.
CoD Manila has been closed since 15 March.
