Connecticut: Mohegan Sun delays reopening until at least May 12

Mohegan Sun casino in Connecticut has announced it will not reopen on Friday as initially planned, and delayed the reopening another two weeks until at least May 12 because of continuing concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As the health and safety being the top priority of all team members and guests, Mohegan Sun will remain closed to the public through May 12th, 2020,” the casino said in an email to The Republican. “Re-opening date options continue to be discussed by working closely with the Mohegan Tribal Council and the State of Connecticut’s Governor’s Office, and by monitoring federal health and safety guidelines.”

The casino added: “Mohegan Sun is greatly appreciative of the incredible healthcare, first responders and frontline workers in our region and beyond during this challenging time... Mohegan Sun looks forward to serving valued guests again in the future.”

Events have also been canceled. The casino opened in 1996 and had never closed to guests before the coronavirus pandemic.

As sovereign tribal nations, Mohegan Sun and rival Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn., did not have to close under Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont’s executive order but opted to follow state restrictions. The governor previously extended his directive to keep non-essential businesses closed through May 20.

Foxwoods has not announced its reopening date, but a notice on its website states that all events slated for May have been canceled.