Following simultaneous rallies of casino workers

New York Gov. to make announcement on casino reopening this week

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he is worried about lack of social distancing and recirculating air in large spaces.
2020-08-31
Reading time 1:09 min
Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Sunday that he will provide an update this week on the state’s four commercial casinos, which have been closed since March putting 5,000 jobs at risk. The governor has been criticized by both casino operators and workers for his lack of guidance.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he will have an announcement this week on the state’s four commercial casinos, one of the very few businesses that remain completely shuttered since the coronavirus pandemic hit over five months ago.

The governor has been criticized by both casino operators and workers for his lack of guidance. Casino owners have warned the delayed reopening effort could cost the state 5,000 jobs. “We’re trying to find a balance,” Cuomo said Monday during a conference call with reporters, Syracuse reports. “I understand people’s anger and frustration. I do.”

Cuomo said he is worried about lack of social distancing and recirculating air in large spaces, also including malls, movie theaters and other businesses that attract large groups, though he also said he gets frustrations from people who are waiting to get back to their jobs. Most casino workers have been furloughed.

“I understand their point,” Cuomo said. “I understand the economic reality, I understand the feeling that you see other things, other places opening up. But you still can’t get back to work.”

The state’s four commercial casinos and 11 “racinos” and video gaming parlors have been closed since March. The Native casinos aren’t bound by state law, but they are voluntarily following coronavirus precautions like frequent sanitizing, mandatory face coverings for staff and customers, and social distancing. Vernon Downs has ended its racing season early.

Casino workers across New York held simultaneous rallies Thursday at the state’s casinos, demanding that Gov. Cuomo provide guidance for reopening.

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