Puerto Rico kickstarts casino reopening process

On Thursday, 10^th of September, Governor Wanda Vazquez announced new measures related to the reactivation of businesses

The order, that was to be initiated this past Saturday, includes the reopening of gyms, casinos, and movie theatres, in addition to the suspension of the Sunday confinement. The measures, which since March have been a huge blow to the growth and maintenance of salaries were accepted with relief by several industry representatives.

The executive order will be in effect until October 2, a period in which casinos will be able to reopen with 25% of their capacity, along with security and sanitary measures, as well as with the initiation of gyms, movie theatres and hotels.

Ismael Vega, general manager of Casino Metro (seen left), in hopes of a further increase of the permitted capacity of the casinos, said:

They heard our claims and we are grateful. Our employees need to work and have been struggling with unemployment insurance. We want to contribute to the economy and we are committed to continuing to do well. Our doors are open to those who have concerns about casino security.

At the Convention Center in San Juan, where the public announcement was made, Wanda Vazquez said last Thursday that citizens have the responsibility of complying and collaborating with the rules imposed, and that the previous executive order was in effect through a reinforcement of measures, the use of masks, and social distancing.

Lorenzo Gonzales, Health Secretary, mentioned that there are still two years till the end of the pandemic, and Puerto Rico is still experiencing more than 100 outbreaks, occurring not in malls, restaurants, and installations in which there is high activity of people, but rather family gatherings and parties, in which the sanitary measures are taken for granted. The number of deaths in Puerto Rico is currently 512, with 17.248 current positive cases, and a probable reach of 19.031.

About SiGMA Europe – Malta

SiGMA Group has announced the postponement of its Europe summit, which was planned to be held in Malta on 17-19 November 2020. The show will now open its doors early next year in February, running from the 16-18th, making it the first event to headline the 2021 gaming calendar.