The New Normal: A Look Inside an Atlantic City Casino
With COVID-19, there has been a lot of talk about "the new normal" -- things we took for granted just a few months ago are, in many cases, now totally different. And as businesses reopen across the state, we're all curious about what "the new normal" looks like. One of the biggest areas that many people are interested in learning about are the casinos in Atlantic City.
Casinos are big, bright, glitzy destinations and as such, on any given day, thousands of people from all walks of life and practically every corner of the globe can pass through. With that, the potential for the spread of COVID-19 could be pretty high so the industry is taking some very big steps to keep everyone safe and healthy.
As for what the new normal looks like in Atlantic City, it isn't all that different than the old normal but there are some noticeable changes. The more you look around the more you will find. And in some cases, what I thought I would see wasn't even close to what I actually did.
In about a week, almost all casinos in the world's playground will reopen just in time for the 4th of July weekend. This morning, I got an exclusive look inside Ocean Casino Resort. Here's what "the new normal" looks like...
The New Normal - A Look Inside an Atlantic City Casino
Some things from my visit to Ocean Casino Resort today...
- Keep in mind that every casino is going to be a little bit different. All businesses, including casinos, are executing common guidelines from the state (which continue to be refined) and the CDC, but expect variations.
- Casino floors can operate at 25 percent capacity while restaurants can operate at a different level (when indoor dining resumes). Pools and spas are going to have new restrictions. Stores inside of casinos are going to have different guidelines. The number of people in an elevator is going to be limited. Lots of rules, regulations, and changes will all be coming together all under one roof at a casino. Allow some time to adjust to the way things are now. Give yourself extra time if you are going to a restaurant. Give the employees an extra smile and allow them to adjust, too.
- In the midst of trying to make sense of reopening in just a matter of days, everyone at Ocean Casino Resort went out of their way today so we could share with you how they are getting ready to welcome everyone back. We thank everyone there for their time and generosity.