From Thursday this week businesses other than bars can reopen, including retail stores, malls, playgrounds, cinemas, casinos and gyms, but with strict physical distancing and hygiene requirements.
While masks on public transport will no longer be required, people will be able to socialize and travel around the country. The new arrangements will be reviewed in two weeks.
In this scenario, SkyCity says Its Auckland and Hamilton casinos will open for premier rewards customers on Thursday and for other customers on Sunday. Its hotels will take bookings and its restaurants will open on Thursday or Friday.
SkyCity however, will keep one of its two casinos in Queenstown closed because of the drop off in tourism.
“We have a comprehensive plan in place to ensure our guests and staff feel safe – backed up by contact tracing protocols,” says Chief Executive Graeme Stephens, who commented that distinct zones would be created on gaming floors to limit groups to one hundred and EGMS would be moved apart to maintain social distancing. Wearing masks would be voluntary for staff and guests.
SkyCity is losing more than half a million dollars a day in staff costs alone during the shutdown, and is down US$90 million a month in revenue. The company recently announced plans to let go of 700 of its staff.
Stephens said there would be no international visitors for the foreseeable future, large gatherings were limited, and domestic customers likely to be more frugal, “so the economic outlook is dicey.”
Total cases of coronavirus now total 1,497 of which 1,386 (93%) have recovered. To date 21 people have died from the disease. There are 90 current cases of coronavirus with only two in hospital.
Source: GMB / Asia Gaming Brief
