SkyCity Queenstown targeted as Covid-19 location of interest

Authorities reported a customer who visited SkyCity Queenstown casino on New Year’s Day had tested positive for Covid-19.

New Zealand.- The Ministry of Health in Queenstown identified SkyCity casino as a location of interest after a customer tested positive for Covid-19.

Lakes mayor Jim Boult urged people who visited the casino venue during New Year’s Day to self-monitor for Covid-19 symptoms for 10 days from the point of exposure and get tested if symptoms develop.

According to Stuff, a spokeswoman stated: “All 30 staff who were working between the hours of 6.20pm and 7pm on the 1 of January when the confirmed positive case was on site were wearing masks and following strict Covid-19 protocols.”

She then added: “Public health authorities have advised that these workers are considered casual contacts and all have been advised that they are required to self-monitor for Covid-19 symptoms for 10 days, until January 11.”

Last October, SkyCity Entertainment Group decided to only allow vaccinated customers to enter its casinos. 

The company announced it was going to require Covid-19 vaccination certificates for entry to all SkyCity venues in New Zealand.

Michael Ahearne, SkyCity’s CEO, said the casino operator had in place the highest available levels of protection against Covid-19 and was meeting its legal obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 but that research had confirmed “Covid-19 vaccines will provide the best protection for our staff and customers”.

The company has been deeply impacted by the Covid-19 Delta outbreak that led to the temporary closure of its venue in Hamilton and its casino in Queenstown.