Casinos will reopen after a three month closure following the government’s directive to prevent the spread of Covid-19
Singapore’s tourism industry is on its Phase 2 of Covid-19 “circuit breaker”, allowing several businesses starting with 13 tourist attractions to reopen in stages by 1 July.
This after three months of closure following the government’s directive to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said in a media release that casinos at Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa, Universal Studios Singapore and Singapore Zoo may resume operations after their safe reopening proposals were approved.
The attractions approved to reopen starting 1 July are, the ArtScience Museum, Sands SkyPark and Observation Deck, Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay, S.E.A. Aquarium, Madame Tussauds, Jurong Bird Park, River Safari, Bounce and Zero Latency.
However, access to the casinos will be limited to existing casino members and annual levy holders.
In its website, Marina Bay Sands (MBS) said that entry in the casino will be limited to Sands Rewards Club (SRC) members holding Gold status or higher, who are below 70 years of age;
and/or existing Annual Levy Holders only, referring to Singapore citizens or permanent residents currently required to pay SGD3,000 (US$2,153) for a 12-month pass to enter any of the casinos in the country.
Senior Vice President of Resort Operations for MBS, Paul Town said “Even though we have earlier restarted some of our operations, we continue to adopt a cautious and measured approach as we re-open more of our facilities and limit access at this initial stage.”
“Restrictions may be progressively eased as the overall COVID-19 situation improves. Our aim is to re-open with a fresh suite of experiences and safeguards in place to instill a greater sense of comfort and reassurance as we begin to welcome back our guests,” added Town.
Meanwhile, Genting Singapore announced in a press release on Sunday, that Resorts World Sentosa would be “adopting a cautious approach” to its gaming facility, and will “operate at a reduced capacity.”
“It will be open but limited only to existing Genting Rewards members and/or annual levy holders. The casino will also abide by strict safe management measures,” the release further added.
The attractions are restricted to operate only at 25 percent of their capacity, as well as other tourism-linked businesses, like domestic tour operators, which may start submitting safety proposals for reopening starting 1 July.
STB stated that operators must follow the 25 percent rule as it is ‘tailored to reduce the COVID-19 transmission risks of each attraction or tour’