State Rep. Jackie Toledo is asking the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa to voluntarily close to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
The Tampa Republican sent a letter to Seminole Hard Rock Tampa president Steve Bonner on Monday asking him to temporarily shut down the gaming floors.
“Please follow suit of your industry across the country, and close your doors to prevent exposure to some of our most vulnerable populations,” said Toledo in the letter.
Last week, the casino shut down all pool parties, and postponed concerts. On Monday, the company released a statement saying it would close its poker room early at 7 p.m. beginning tonight, seat dining guests at every other table, and shut off certain slot machines to give guests more space for social distancing.
Like most casinos, the Tampa’s Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is a huge draw to senior citizens, a population most at risk of serious complications from coronavirus, says health officials.
However, the company says as of now they do not plan to close.
“Seminole casinos in Florida are currently open and constantly monitoring the coronavirus situation,” said Seminole Hard Rock spokesman Gary Bitner in a statement to the Tampa Bay Times.
Yesterday, in response to the coronavirus pandemic, Wynn Resorts and MGM Resorts announced they would close their Las Vegas properties beginning Tuesday, March 17.
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