Agua Caliente casinos in Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage to reopen on Friday. Here's what to expect

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians announced on Wednesday it will reopen the doors to its casinos in Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage at noon on Friday with several new safety measures in place. 

This comes as the Riverside County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution the day before supporting tribal governments' reopening of their casinos with social distancing measures in place and personal protective equipment provided for staff. 

“Jobs are essential during these times, and our team members deserve the safest work environment possible,” said Tribal Chairman Jeff L. Grubbe. “We appreciate the Riverside County Supervisors for honoring and respecting our tribal sovereignty. As the Coachella Valley starts to re-open, our community should expect all businesses to operate with the highest standards to ensure our safety. And, we will deliver that on day one of re-opening.”

Casinos in the region have been closed for over two months, voluntarily, as tribes are sovereign nations and not subject to the state or local stay at home orders. However, the Agua Caliente Tribal Council declared a state of emergency on the reservation and closed its doors to help curb the spread of COVID-19. 

More:Spotlight 29, Morongo and Tortoise Rock casinos all set to open Friday

More:Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians announces Soboba Casino reopening May 27

Under the tribe's "Play it Safe" reopening plan, guests can expect the following changes at the casinos: 

• Temperature checks upon entry.
• Face covering and social distancing requirements.
• No smoking allowed inside the properties.
• A 50% occupancy limit.
• Reduction of seats at table games and on the casino floors.
• "Intense cleaning efforts" using antimicrobial product throughout the properties.
• To remain closed: the Sunset Spa, The Show, Pivat Cigar Lounge, The District, and the resort pool at the Rancho Mirage casino. Also, buffets at both casinos will remain closed. 

“Upon re-opening, our Tribe’s top priority will be to create and maintain the safest environment possible for everyone who interacts with our facilities, including guests, team members and vendors,” Grubbe said. “We have spent the past two months re-evaluating the way we do business in this new environment. We have changed our perspective and have improved upon our business practices. Our guests demand and deserve the kind of care and attention that goes into providing the highest quality experience.”

The Morongo, Spotlight 29 and Tortoise Rock casinos also will reopen on Friday. Of casinos in the Coachella Valley, the tribe's announcement leaves just the Fantasy Springs Casino and Augustine Casino without reopening dates yet made public.

Gov. Gavin Newsom sent a letter to California tribes on May 15 urging them not to reopen their gaming facilities, although they are not required to follow Newsom's reopening plan.

Casinos are considered higher-risk workplaces because of the volume of people they bring in and fall under Stage 3 of the governor's plan. Other businesses in Stage 3 have not been allowed to reopen yet. For more details on the reopening, go to aguacalientecasinos.com.  

Risa Johnson covers Native American affairs in the Coachella Valley and beyond. She can be reached at risa.johnson@desertsun.com or (760) 778-4737. Follow her on Twitter @risamjohnson.