The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has announced a new three-week epidemic order in an aim to combat rising cases of COVID-19 in the region.
During the three-week period, casinos will be closed, in addition to gyms and movie theatres. Bars and restaurants will remain open for outdoor dining and delivery only.
Commenting on the new measures, state Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, said: “Right now, there are thousands of cases a day and hundreds of deaths a week in Michigan, and the number is growing.
“If we don’t act now, thousands more will die, and our hospitals will continue to be overwhelmed.”
The state’s casinos were permitted to reopen on August 5 following a period of COVID-19 enforced closures, however, they have since been limited to a 15% capacity limit.
Last week, data from the Michigan Gaming Control Board showed the detrimental impact of the limits to Detroit casinos.
For the month of October, Detroit’s three casinos posted revenue of $101.4m. As a result, year-to-date revenue was down 54% year-on-year, to a total of $550m for the first 10 months of 2020.
Greektown saw the most significant revenue drop of the city’s three casinos. The property saw revenue decline 28% year-on-year to a total of $19.7m.
