Melco Resorts’ Cyprus subsidiary says it has resumed operations following a three-month closure due to COVID-19, with four of its five Cyprus casinos having reopened on Saturday.
ICR Cyprus, which is 75% owned by Melco and 25% by local firm Cyprus Phassouri Ltd, suspended operations on 17 March, impacting its four satellite casinos – C2 Ayia Napa, C2 Nicosia, C2 Larnaca and C2 Paphos – as well as C2 Limassol, the temporary casino in operation while €550 million City of Dreams Mediterranean is being developed.
In a statement, the company said all had now reopened for business albeit with a range of restrictions including a limit of three players per gaming table and every second slot machine being deactivated. Smoking has also been temporarily banned at both tables and slots.
Under guidelines issued by the Minister of Health, C2 casinos have also implemented awareness campaigns and staff training as well as stringent sanitization procedures
“The health and safety of guests and colleagues are our top priority,” said Vice President, Gaming Operations of Cyprus Casinos, Devi Kerr.
“C2 has prepared a comprehensive series of hygiene measures to safeguard the health and comfort of guests and colleagues throughout the casinos. It is our belief that the casinos’ reopening will not only contribute to strengthening the tourism industry, but also the recovery of the local economy.”
One of the company’s casinos, C2 Larnaca, has yet to reopen as it moves from its former home at Larnaca International Airport to a new location, Melco said, with all employees to be temporarily transferred to other sites.