Following many weeks of wait and the nine casinos in Atlantic City have reportedly been told that they will be allowed to emerge from their coronavirus-induced lockdowns from July 2 so long as they agree to keep capacity at below 25%.

According to a report from The Associated Press news service published by ABC News, the date was revealed earlier today via a Twitter post from New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (pictured) and is expected to be followed over the next few days by a revised list of health and safety guidelines for re-opening restaurants and casinos.

Crucial closures:

The news service reportedly detailed that casinos in Atlantic City were ordered to temporarily shut their doors on March 16 as the number of deaths attributed to the highly-contagious coronavirus strain reached two. Although this tally now stands at slightly over 13,000, rates of infection in ‘The Garden State’ are purportedly falling while many venues had been hopeful of being allowed to re-open in time to take advantage of the nation’s Independence Day celebrations on July 4.

Pivotal preparations:

The Associated Press reportedly explained that many casino operators in New Jersey have been thinking ahead by planning to introduce social distancing and other anti-coronavirus measures into their re-opening venues. The news service purportedly specified that Hard Rock International is just one such firm as it will be rolling out hand sanitizer stations throughout its Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Atlantic City property and additionally requiring all employees and players to wear protective face masks.

Bold boast:

Joe Lupo, President for the 1,971-room Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Atlantic City, reportedly told The Associated Press that he is confident his venue will be able to meet and exceed any new state-mandated health protocols before asserting that its air filtration system ‘is better than most hospitals’.

Lupo reportedly stated…

“We’re delighted to get the re-opening date. We thank the Governor that we’ll be able to be open for the July 4 weekend to meet demand on the world-famous Atlantic City Boardwalk.”