IE Business Daily Business news for the Inland Empire.
Several Inland Empire hotel-casinos are temporarily shutting down because of concerns regarding the Coronavirus.
Fantasy Springs Resort & Casino in Indio, Morongo Casino Resort & Spa and Casino Morongo are closing temporarily to avoid crowds and help prevent the spread of the potentially deadly virus, according to statements released earlier this week.
Fantasy Springs is owned and operated by the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians. Both Morongo facilities are the property of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians.
All three facilities are expected to remain closed through the end of the month. Employees at each will receive full pay and benefits while closed, according to the statements.
Fantasy Springs had previously announced the postponement of all live entertainment in March and April.
Officials with both tribes pledged to monitor information about the virus from the Center for Disease Control, the World Health Organization and state and local officials. Updates regarding all three properties, including when they reopen, will be posted on the tribes’ websites and social media platforms.
“Given the concern about the spread of coronavirus, we believe this is the appropriate decision for our valued guests and the employees who serve them,” Fantasy Springs Tribal Chairman Doug Welmas said in the statement. “The council greatly appreciates their hard work and has taken measures to ensure that they are compensated during this time. We will continue to reassess the situation as new information becomes available.”
