Tunica casinos handing out masks to patrons on New Years Eve – FOX13 Memphis

TUNICA, Miss. Tunicas casinos hope for a big night this New Years Eve.

But, indoor crowds are exactly what health experts including the CDC are warning against right now. FOX13 has worked to find out what precautions are being taken to keep you safe.

While casinos in Tunica County are not requiring patrons to wear masks, they are giving them away at the door. Matthew Rawls had just left the casino Friday when he stopped to talk to us.

They were offering everybody masks. I personally came in wearing one. They were doing the right thing, Rawls said.

Multiple casino employees, who wouldnt talk on camera, said that while guests are not required to wear masks, employees are. We were also told by those close to the gaming industry that cleaning schedules have been stepped up because of the omicron variants rapid spread.

It could be better. It could be better. They need more people wiping things down, Rawls said.

Some visitors still choose not to wear a mask.

Well, I think that is everybodys own decision, Comos Bobby Wilbun said.

Keeping the casinos going is essential for the community. Tunica County relies on gaming revenue for up to 60 percent of its budget.

The loss of revenue when the state closed down casinos early in the pandemic was a big hit.

We have reached out to the state gaming commission to find out what chance there might be for masks and social distancing to be required for guests.

I think it is pretty safe, the ones that dont wear their mask. The ones that want to wear their masks, they should wear them. The ones that dont want to wear their masks, its cool with me, Panola Countys Ricky Petty said.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

Trending stories:

2021 Cox Media Group

See the rest here:

Tunica casinos handing out masks to patrons on New Years Eve - FOX13 Memphis