Bulgarian regulator issues casino reopening guidelines
The Bulgarian State Gambling Commission has set out protocols for the reopening of the country's casinos, following the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) enforced shutdown.
Among the rules in place for reopening from today (1 June) is that customers will only be allowed on-site if they wear a mask and gloves. All customers will also have their temperature checked before entering casinos and those with a fever will not be permitted to enter.
In addition, casinos were told to monitor distancing between players to ensure they keep at least 1.5 metres away from other visitors. The regulator also recommended the use of barriers between gaming machines and tables where possible in order to enforce distancing.
The Commission said that disinfectant must be placed in a “visible place in front of each of the entrances of the site” and that operators should use “enhanced measures” to disinfect surfaces such as gaming machines and tables.
When it came to measures to protect staff, the State Gambling Commission said they should be equipped with personal protective equipment such as masks and gloves and also keep a distance of 1.5 metres.
The regulator added that casino premises should be well-ventilated, but ideally not through the use of air conditioners that re-circulate air.
Access to employee common areas, such as kitchens or canteens, should be “as limited as possible,” the Commission said. It recommended staggering break times to limit the numbers in these areas.
The regulator said that gambling operators should set up groups within their business dedicated to the observance of health and safety protocols.