Casino employee tests positive for COVID-19

In an undated internal memo to Riverwalk Casino employees, General Manager Ginny Tzotzolas wrote that an employee of the casino has tested positive for COVID-19.

“This Team Member last worked on May 25, 2020, and frequently worked on the casino floor,” Tzotzolas wrote, adding that the employee “did not work in close contact … with any other Team Member in the two days before developing symptoms.”

She defined “close contact” as being within 6 feet of another person for around 10-30 minutes or more.

“We will coordinate with the health department to conduct contact tracing as requested,” Tzotzolas wrote.

She went on to say that additional cleanings were performed in the common areas where the employee worked “out of an abundance of caution.”

Tzotzolas then reminded employees not to report to work if they have any COVID-19 symptoms, including:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

“We take this time to send get well wishes to our sick Team Member and to thank our team for working hard to make our environment as safe and healthy as possible,” she wrote.

Mississippi casinos reopened May 21 after being closed since March 16 because of COVID-19 restrictions. Strict guidelines for hygiene and social distancing were provided by the Mississippi Gaming Commission.

Riverwalk declined to provide further comments.

(Courtesy Riverwalk Casino and Hotel)