City of Dreams Manila is getting ready for a soft reopening, beginning with COVID-19 testing for staff members. Employees will be housed on-site for safety and the gaming floor reconfigured to promote social distancing. At the gaming tables, the casino will limit tables to three players.

The owner of the property, Melco Resorts & Entertainment, stated they have already set up free testing for the staff members who are returning to work. The relaunch of the property is pending government approval.

Moving Forward:

The staff members who are currently at the City of Dreams Manila will have antibody rapid testing. This will also be the case for those who are brought in for gaming and hospitality operations. Several testing booths will be located on-site and facilities have been set up based on the standards required by the Department of Health.

Staff members who test negative will be housed on the property as well as within hotels nearby. Shuttles will provide transportation for those who are staying at hotels. Any staff member who needs further testing will be required to quarantine until results are provided.

According to Inside Asia Gaming…

Kevin Benning, the City of Dreams Manila Chief Operating Officer, commented on the current situation by stating: “The wellbeing of our colleagues is our paramount concern, more so in these fragile times.”

New Protocols:

On top of testing, the Philippines casino will also be implementing new protocols for health and safety. This will include sanitization mats, thermal screening, face masks mandatory for guests as well as staff, and hand sanitizer at entrances and areas of high traffic.

Slot machines will be placed one meter apart with restaurants operating at 50% the maximum capacity. According to Benning, the City of Dreams has consulted with PAGCOR as well as the Department of Health and the Parañaque Health Office to comply with guidelines established by the government as well as health standards.