Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Oregon Coast today. (Lincoln City, OR) 2005-current | View Entire Issue (May 22, 2020)
on the cover All pulling together Chinook Winds Casino Resort leads the way as coast begins to re-open Balancing risk and reward is fundamental to running a casino. So, it is fi tting that the team at Chinook Winds Casino Resort in Lincoln City is taking the lead as the Oregon Coast embarks on the road toward re-opening the visitor economy. Th e resort was ahead of the curve when, on March 17, it closed its doors — six days ahead of the order that shuttered other lodging facilities in all seven of Lincoln County’s cities as well as unincorporated territory. Now, the Siletz Tribal Council has made the decision to reopen the resort, in phases, with doors opening at 6 am on Th ursday, May 21. “We want to thank everyone in the community, our team members and Tribal members for their patience in waiting to hear about our plans for reopening,” said General Manager Michael S. Fisher. “We are ready to welcome all those who feel safe to visit.” Th roughout the 10-week closure, resort staff have fully disinfected all guest and team member areas. Upon re-opening, the casino will have modifi ed hours in phase one to allow for daily cleaning and disinfecting of the property. Th e executive management team is regularly reviewing local coronavirus data and trends to provide recommendations to the Tribal Council as the situation changes. Among the major changes is the introduction of a non-smoking policy throughout the resort, and a requirement that all team members and guests wear face masks or face shields. Occupancy will be limited to 1,000 guests at a time, with procedures in place for excess guest populations, including a mobile-queuing service that allows guests to book their space in line while waiting in their vehicle. Upon entering the resort, all guests and staff members will have their temperature taken using no-contact infrared thermometers. Guests and team members who are demonstrating signs of illness will be immediately removed from the building to seek health care. Heather Hatton of Chinook Winds Casino Resort tries out one of the physically-distanced slot machines, Markers will be in place throughout the resort to assist guests in maintaining physical distancing. Health and hygiene reminders throughout the property will off er guidance on the proper way to wear, handle and dispose of masks, while hand sanitizer dispensers will be located at key guest and team member contact areas. Th is fi rst phase of the re-opening will see the resort open at limited capacity, with no table games on off er. Half of the casino’s slot machines will be available for use, with every second machine turned off in order to ensure physical distancing. Slot machines will be disinfected between each guest. Bingo will be available, but limited to 200-seat sessions; and Keno will be on off er at kiosks only. Sports wagering will be available, with betting options depending on which sporting events are going ahead. Th e Deli, Rogue River Steakhouse and Chinook’s Seafood Grill will all be open for business, off ering modifi ed menus. Lodging at the reort hotel will be open with no in-room daily stay-over service and limited lobby occupancy. “Chinook Winds is fully committed to following recommended health and safety 4 • oregoncoastTODAY.com • facebook.com/oregoncoasttoday • May 22, 2020 FRANK CAVEZZA Eerily silent for 10 weeks, the gaming fl oor at Chinook Winds Casino Resort reopened at 6 am on Thursday, May 21. protocols to protect their team members and guests,” Fisher said. “We will continue to re-evaluate and make adjustments in the coming weeks and months to slowly open the remaining venues and amenities when it is safe to do so.” Chinook Winds Casino Resort will be open 6 am to 2 am between May 21 and 25; and from 10 am to 2 am daily starting on Starting May 26. Th e casino is located at 1777 NW 44th Street, Lincoln City. For more information, call 888-244-6665.