San Manuel Casino suspending operations due to coronavirus

Sunday 15th March 2020

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The San Manuel Casino will be voluntarily suspending its operations Sunday afternoon through the end of the month due to concerns about the coronavirus.

This is the first casino in Riverside or San Bernardino counties to shut down operations entirely. Other casinos in the area announced this week that they were stepping up cleaning protocols and cancelling large events following the governor's guidelines and then orders from local governments to suspend public gatherings of 250 or more people.

"In consultation with the state of California and in consideration of the governor's guidance on large gatherings, we feel this is the best course of action for our community," reads a statement from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians business committee.

Operations at the casino near Highland will be suspended starting at 5 p.m. Sunday, according to a news release from the tribe. All team members will continue to receive pay and benefits during the closure, the tribe said.

"As we navigate this uncertain period, we will continue to solicit guidance from the (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, San Bernardino County Public Health Department and other relevant authorities. We want to thank our team members, guests, and partners for their patience during this time," the press release reads.

Public health officials announced Saturday that two more people in the Coachella Valley tested positive for the virus, bringing the total in Riverside County to 14, including 12 cases in the valley.