SPRINGFIELD City officials including Mayor Domenic J. Sarno were provided a tour of MGM Springfield this week to view coronavirus protections ahead of the casinos July 13 reopening.

City officials said Tuesday the safety measures were comprehensive.

MGM has taken extraordinary measures to comply with the Governors guidance around COVID-19, said Helen Caulton-Harris, the citys commissioner of public health. I felt good about how MGM has put the effort in ensuring those guests who decide to go to MGM will be safe.

She also praised safety guidelines in place for employees.

Sarno, along with key members of his administration, joined with MGM Springfield President and Chief Operations Officer Chris Kelley and other MGM officials for the tour.

Like with all our businesses whether large or small, well continue to work with them to get them back on their feet to succeed in this new temporary normalcy, Sarno said.

MGM Springfield will partly open under numerous restrictions on Monday, as authorized by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission and governor.

The various precautionary and public health and safety changes include:

MGM Springfield is following MGM Resorts Internationals comprehensive Seven-Point Safety Plan, which was developed in conjunction with an epidemiologist and other health experts, officials said.

As stipulated by the Gaming Commission, MGM must adhere to a substantially reduced capacity during the initial phase of reopening, among other restrictions.

To promote physical distancing, slot machines will be disabled to accommodate six feet between players. Poker, roulette and craps will not be available in this first phase of reopening per state guidelines.

Initially, dining options will be limited to the Tap Sports Bar, South End Market and Costas pizza counter. Guests will use mobile devices to check menus.

Beverage service will be available connection with seated dining and to those actively playing on the gaming floor. To promote mask wearing, guests are not allowed to move around the casino floor with a drink.

Complimentary self-parking will be available for guests, but valet parking will not be operational.

MGM Springfields hotel and spa will remain closed until a future date.

Sarno praised MGM officials for presenting such a comprehensive reopening plan that focused on not only getting people back to work but just as important following and prioritizing all of the public health and safety guidelines to assure there is strong consumer confidence and that the facility is reopening responsibly.

In addition to Sarno and Caulton-Harris, city officials taking part in the tour were Chief Development Officer Tim Sheehan, Solicitor Attorney Ed Pikula, Chief Administrative and Financial Officer Timothy J. Plante, Chief of Staff Tom Ashe and Communications Director William Baker.

MGM Springfield officials included Vice President and General Counsel Seth Stratton, Vice President of Facilities Jason Rosewell, Vice President of Human Resources Marikate Murren, Vice President of Hospitality Abe Berry, Director of Government Affairs Jose Delgado and Director of Compliance Daniel Miller.

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MGM Springfield gives sneak peek at COVID-19 protections ahead of July 13 reopening - MassLive.com