“The sad part is most individuals at the casino use smoking as an excuse to not wear their mask,” the worker told The News Tribune. The worker also said that customers who smoked were making conditions more dangerous. The worker said numerous workers had been sick with the virus. In each instance, safety protocols were followed, and we believe none contracted the virus through their jobs, as all affected employees are interviewed to determine their possible contacts, which are often traced back to family and friends.”Ī worker who alerted friends on social media of contracting the virus spoke to The News Tribune last week on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution. As more is learned about the virus, EQC is committed to adapt, as we all must, in dealing with this novel and changing pandemic.”Īccording to the statement, “To date, in a county with more than 4,500 positive COVID-19 cases, only five Emerald Queen Casino employees have tested positive. “EQC managers also looked for ways to further improve safety measures, including the creation of one point of contact for all EQC COVID-related issues and the adoption of improved employee contact tracing protocols. Yet, certain areas needed immediate improvement and policy reinforcement, including making sure masks are being properly worn at all times by guests and employees in all areas of the casino in strict adherence to the COVID policy,” according to the statement. “Overall, the investigation found that our EQC employees have gone above and beyond to keep the guests and themselves safe. The statement did not address the specific allegations individually but offered general details of its findings. The council statement said that the “investigation included close review of security camera footage, review of logs and employee interviews.” A breach of worker health confidentiality involving a COVID alert also was listed. Other allegations included patrons and some employees, including cooks, not wearing masks, “numerous sick players” in attendance, a shortage and/or nonusage of hand sanitizer and numerous workers infected with coronavirus, including at least one employee working through a shift with visible symptoms of illness. Top among the list of issues in the OSHA complaint were allegations of overcrowding in the High Limit section of the casino, “60 to 100 people on busy nights in approximately 100 square feet of space.”

Viejas resort and casino