SAN DIEGO (KGTV) – Barona Resort & Casino is scheduled to reopen Wednesday after being shut down for two months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Officials said the casino and resort will open its doors to the public at 10 a.m. on May 27.

The reopening will be in phases and includes numerous health and safety measures, as well as “enhanced cleaning protocols,” according to casino officials.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA — Viejas Casino and Resort reopened its doors Monday and three other casinos are expected to follow suit this week in San Diego County. The casino in Alpine — as well as others.

Barona Resort & Casino General Manager Rick Salinas said, “Over the years, Barona has received many accolades throughout the gaming industry and most importantly from our players as being the cleanest and safest casino. We have spent the past two months developing a thoughtful plan which enhances our already robust standards and addresses the COVID-19 pandemic in accordance with all of the applicable guidelines.”

The first phase of the casino’s reopening includes:

• Viejas is the first of four casinos to reopen in San Diego County this week. Author: Kelly Hessedal Published: 5:13 PM PDT May 18, 2020.
• The Valley Center casino announced in a letter on its website that it would be extending its closure through May 7, with plans to reopen Friday, May 8, “but as we all know that date could change.”.

• Temperature checks for guests and staff – inside their vehicles – as they arrive; those with temperatures above 100 or with other symptoms will be asked to leave

• Hand sanitizing required for guests and staff before they enter the facility

• Required face coverings for guests and staff

• No smoking on the property; “Barona’s triple-stage air filtration system will continuously disinfect the air and kill 99% of germs and viruses using germicidal UVC light technology”

• Anyone under 18 will not be allowed on the property

• Every other slot machine will be turned off and chairs will be removed; machines and chairs will be disinfected after each use

• Tables will be limited to three players per game; dice, table rails, and chairs will be disinfected after each use, and players will never have to touch chips due to touchless wagering

• Increased sanitizing and enhanced disinfecting measures will be in place “around the clock”

• Casino officials say: “All staff members will be required to attend PPE/COVID-19 training”

• Social distancing rules and signs will be present throughout the casino and resort property

• Plexiglass dividers put into place in various areas, including cashier cages, food court, and hotel check-in

• All staff will be required to wash their hands before and after breaks and continuously wash or sanitize their hands during their shift

When Will San Diego Casino Reopen

Officials said restaurants -- starting with the Sage Café and food court -- will reopen during the first phase, but the buffet will be closed. Restaurants also remaining closed include Barona Oaks Steakhouse, Italian Cucina, and Plaza Grill.
The hotel will reopen in phases at 35 percent capacity, but officials said the pool, spa, and fitness center will stay closed.

According to officials, “The Barona Creek Golf Club, Pro Shop and snack bar will remain closed with a planned reopening in mid-June.”

San Diego Casino Reopening Dates

The casino’s bussing program is shut down until further notice, officials added.