It said at least 208 outbreaks occurred in restaurants and at least 125 at large retailers and grocery stores. KPBS obtained San Diego County records and reported that outbreaks at seven casinos were linked to at least 638 COVID-19 cases from late June to mid-December. Information on how COVID-19 has spread from casinos is limited. “I’m not going to be a part of continuing that into the future. “This is a decision that is for them to make, and there is a very long and very dark history of the country, of white people in particular, telling our Native Americans what they should and shouldn’t do,” he said. San Diego County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher, who has denounced restaurants and churches that defy health orders, said when casinos prepared to reopen in May that he was in no position to criticize. The right of tribes to determine their own rules is unquestioned. Sycuan Casino Resort, near San Diego, introduced a dining cap of eight people per table and other rules. Cache Creek stopped bar service unless food is purchased. The few that have strengthened restrictions since November’s surge are still far looser than nontribal businesses. Two exceptions: Pechanga and Pala Casino Spa Resort, near San Diego, say they cap attendance at 50% of normal. Gaming and dining capacity is more limited, but few specify by how much. Buffets and many, but not all, restaurants are closed. Some confirmed the policies and underscored their commitment to safety others didn’t respond.Īll post significant restrictions, such as temperature checks at the door, required face coverings and more space between slot machines. The Associated Press checked policies on websites of California’s 10 largest tribal casinos and sought comment from each by email or phone. Viejas Casino & Resort, east of San Diego, advertises a $50,000 bingo “celebration” on New Year’s Eve.īradley Pollock, a public health professor at UC Davis Health, acknowledged that tribal rights and the economic benefits that casinos deliver, but said that “anything that encourages people to come together physically is not good.” He said New Year’s Eve celebrations are “even more egregious.” Thunder Valley, near Sacramento, promotes “2021 Celebration Giveaway” drawings Friday and Saturday, with $8,000 grand prizes.

Some casinos are sticking to festivities. It’s 2021 - finally! Where can you go and what can you do? Travel & Experiences New Year’s Day 2021: What’s open and closed in L.A.?

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