Graton Resort & Casino Reopening: What To Know

ROHNERT PARK, CA — Graton Resort & Casino reopened its doors Thursday morning after pausing operations in March as the coronavirus pandemic reached California and stay-home orders went into effect, shuttering the venue.

In order to reopen, Greg Sarris, tribal chairman for the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, and his team worked closely with state and Sonoma County health officials to institute a number of new policies and procedures — introduced in phases — to keep both guests and team members safe throughout the facility.

"Although Graton Resort & Casino has always been known as one of the cleanest and safest casinos in California, it was very important for us to reexamine our operations from top to bottom and implement the best safety protocols," Sarris said. "We look forward to not only welcoming our guests back, but we’re also thrilled for the opportunity to get our Team Members back to work."

In a news release about Thursday's reopening, Graton said almost all of its 1,200 employees who were furloughed during the temporary closure were rehired, and that every employee has been trained on the new safety protocols in accordance with all state and local recommendations.

What To Know About Graton Resort & Casino's New Health And Safety Guidelines

Temperature Checks

Using thermal cameras, non-invasive temperature checks will be conducted for everyone entering the property. Anyone who displays a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher will be taken to a private area for a second temperature screening. Those with a fever higher than 100.4 degrees in the secondary temperature check will not be allowed to enter.

Electrostatic Sprayers

All areas will be regularly disinfected with electrostatic spray for an additional level of protection.

Physical Distancing

Team members and guests must stand at least 6 feet apart while cuing (waiting in line), using elevators or moving around the property.

Slot machines, restaurant tables and other physical layouts are arranged to ensure appropriate distancing.

Face Coverings

Everyone who works at Graton and everyone who visits Graton is required to wear a mask covering the nose and mouth at all times.

Team members (employees) will wear personal protective equipment, called PPE, based on their role and responsibilities and in adherence to state, local and/or tribal regulations and guidance.

Hand Sanitizers

Graton has made hand sanitizer dispensers — touchless whenever possible— available throughout the property, including at all major guest and employee entrances, on the casino floor, in the hotel lobby, in the restaurants and in all elevators.

Table Games Operations

Graton has installed plexiglass dividers at all game tables.

Based on the type of table game, Graton is operating games with limited occupancy.

Slot Operations

Slot machines are appropriately arranged for social distancing.

Dining/Drinking

All bars and restaurants —except for Aces and Scoops — are open with modified, reduced seating capacity.

Both cocktail and room service are available.

Entertainment

Graton has canceled all concerts and live entertainment.

Shared Equipment

Graton says all tools and equipment shared among employees — phones, radios, computers and other communication devices, payment terminals, kitchen gadgets, engineering tools, cleaning equipment, keys, time clocks and all other direct-contact items — are sanitized before, during and after each shift or anytime they are transferred to a new employee.

Services Temporarily Unavailable

The Spa & Salon, fitness center and valet service are temporarily suspended.

Guests need to self-park until further notice.

Bus service from select Bay Area cities resumes Monday, June 29.

This article originally appeared on the Rohnert Park-Cotati Patch