San Manuel Casino announces plan to extend current closure

(Photo by David Becker / AFP) (Photo by DAVID BECKER/AFP via Getty Images)

As several Inland Empire casinos plan to reopen soon San Manuel has decided to extend its current closure. 

It was announced on Thursday that the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians decided to extend the closure of its casino past May 31. 

“While we are hoping for a reopening date in June, it is too early to announce one with absolute certainty. In anticipation of a June reopening, enterprise leadership will begin to recall team members to their positions. All team members will be required to be certified in our COVID-19 Health and Safety Training Program before returning to work,” officials with San Manuel Band of Mission Indians said in a statement. 

Officials say the casino will reopen in phases. 

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Since the pandemic started, furloughs and lay-off were implemented, in what the tribe says was their first time in nearly 34 years.

The tribe says they have supported their staff through these difficult times and even created new positions such as Social Distancing Ambassadors and Safety Concierges.

Meanwhile, Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula announced plans to June 1. And Soboba Casino is scheduled to reopen May 27.