All three Detroit casinos reinstate mask mandates

MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino Hotel and Greektown Casino have reinstated mask mandates regardless of the vaccination status, effective at noon Tuesday after the Michigan state offcials last week issued a recommendation for everyone over the age of 2 to be masked up indoors amid a surge of COVID-19 cases. 

MGM Grand Detroit and MotorCity Casino Hotel announced the new measure on their websites and via emails to customers. An operator at Greektown Casino confirmed the reinstallment of the mask mandate.

📢 In accordance with MDHHS guidance, we will now require all guests and visitors to wear masks while indoors in our hotel and casino public areas effective today. To prepare for your next visit safely, visit our Now Open page: https://t.co/RY9KKGKWua pic.twitter.com/oyCa8BOJFq

— MGM Grand Detroit (@MGMGrandDetroit) November 23, 2021

All casinos will provide masks to those who do not have one. The protocol includes employees, associates, customers and hotel guests in public spaces, and other visitors. At MotorCity, masks will not be required for customers attending banquets or events at the Sound Board theater. 

David Tsai, Midwest group president for MGM Resorts International, published a letter addressed to casino guests Monday night which read: “MGM Grand Detroit remains committed to the health and safety of our guests and employees. To prepare for your visit, please wear a face mask at all times unless you’re actively eating or drinking. As we approach the holidays, we hope you stay well and wish you a healthy and happy holiday season. I look forward to welcoming you back safely on your next visit”.

Detroit mayor Mike Duggan also spoke about these reinstated protocols and said: “What private companies are doing makes great sense. If I were running a casino, I’d do the same thing”, he recognized the voluntary moves the companies are enforcing. 

Detroit’s three casinos shut down for several months starting in March 2020, amid the early wave of COVID-19. They reopened in December, with strict health measures in place, including mask mandates and a ban on indoor smoking. Mask mandates were lifted in June. 

This week, Seneca Casinos in New York also brought back the mask mandate amid a surge of COVID-related cases in the area. The measure, effective Tuesday, will be revisited in three weeks’ time.