Concerns over Covid-19 cases at Maryland casinos

Concerns have been raised over a lack of transparency at Maryland casinos.

US.- A media investigation has revealed that around 60 casino employees in Maryland have tested positive for Covid-19 since October.

News4 claimed it faced difficulties in obtaining information from casinos.

The cases surfaced despite protections put in place by casinos in the state, including plexiglass partitions, sanitising stations, temperature screenings and obligatory use of face masks.

The rise in cases has led some to question whether gaming properties are safe for their 7,000 employees and for patrons.

News4 claimed that neither casinos nor state health departments were reporting cases to other workers or patrons, even after public records requests.

A spokesperson for the state department which oversees the industry told the new outlet: “According to casino management, Live!, Ocean Downs, Rocky Gap and Horseshoe are required to report to their local health departments. Hollywood and MGM are not required to do so.”

Some have called for greater transparency to minimise the risk of Covid-19 infection for the public.

Senator Paul Pinsky said: “Having as much information as possible is important for the public’s health.”

Several states have implemented tighter restrictions after a rise in Covid-19 cases in their territories. Nevada has reduced casinos’ capacity limits to 25 per cent.