Oneida Nation to stop allowing smoking at its casinos to ensure masks are worn

VERONA, N.Y. — Oneida Nation Enterprises announced it plans to temporarily stop allowing smoking on the gaming floors of its three casinos so that face masks are worn all the time throughout the properties to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

The policy change is part of the updates to the Oneida Nation’s “Safer Together” reopening plan. The organization on Tuesday announced the updates about a month after reopening its casinos.

These updates will take effect at all Oneida Indian Nation properties — Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona; Point Place Casino in the Bridgeport area of the town of Sullivan; and YBR Casino & Sports Book in Chittenango, along with all onsite restaurants and lodging venues.

Update details

Effective July 10, Turning Stone will require face coverings throughout the gaming floors, including Casino Blu, and the entire Bingo Hall at Turning Stone.

The venue will also “temporarily” prohibit smoking on the gaming floor. This decision was made based on new public health recommendations and “to ensure consistency in wearing face coverings throughout the entirety of Turning Stone.”

Following New York State guidelines, the Oneida Nation will limit access to guests traveling from any of the following 19 states, in lieu of its previous 120-mile radius requirement for guests: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Utah, Texas, California, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, Delaware, Oklahoma, Kanas and Tennessee.

In addition, all Oneida Indian Nation gaming venues will continue to screen guests entering the properties. Any guest from one of the above listed states will not be permitted to enter any of the venues.

Other safety protocols

The Oneida Nation also says the following protocols will remain in place at all properties.

• Restaurants limiting occupancy to 50 percent capacity.
• No shows, concerts or large gatherings on the premises, with nightclubs remaining closed to the public.
• Enforcement of face coverings and physical distancing wherever possible.
• Enhanced sanitation and cleanliness procedures also remain in effect, including a “much higher” HVAC changeover level, which exceeds the standards required by commercial code. HVAC is short for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
• Gloves are required for all employees who are working in direct contact with guests.
• Daily, noninvasive contactless temperature checks for all employees and brief survey questions to identify potential exposure to coronavirus.