Bloomberry Resorts Corp Chairman and CEO Enrique Razon Jr says gaming capacity at the company’s flagship property, Solaire Resort & Casino, will only reach around 20% upon reopening.
The comment, made in an interview with Philstar, comes after Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte revealed Friday a further two-week extension of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) measures governing the nation’s main island of Luzon until 15 May. The measures cover metro Manila as well as other areas deemed high risk for COVID-19.
Asked what Solaire’s business might look like once ECQ is eventually lifted, Razon revealed, “Our plan when we can reopen is to test everyone. Gaming capacity will only be at 20% of our usual capacity, there will be physical distancing, wearing of masks will be mandatory.”
Razon also noted that Bloomberry could potentially slip into loss in 2020, a view later clarified by the company in a filing with the Philippine Stock Exchange.
“The Company confirms the statement of Mr Razon and would like to clarify that such loss is possible due to the suspension of casino operations of Bloomberry in compliance with the order of PAGCOR and due to the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila,” it said.
“The ECQ in Metro Manila, which has just been extended to 15 May 2020, is intended to prevent the spread of the virus which causes the COVID-19 disease. Another reason is the severe contraction of businesses worldwide caused by the lockdown imposed by most countries around the world which mean lower travel and lower priority for leisure activities.
“Management is currently preparing for the eventual restart of operations and is designing stringent cleanliness and social distancing protocols that are appropriate for an entertainment venue like Solaire.”
Solaire sent a notice to registered members last week outlining its safety and sanitization measures upon reopening, including the installation of tents and foot baths at entrances to disinfect anyone who enters, temperature scanners, handrail UVC lights for elevators and stairs, and regular disinfecting of all areas.
