Navajo's largest casino back in business 15 months after closure

Twin Arrows Navajo Casino re-opened July 12 in Flagstaff, Arizona after being shutdown for more than a year because of the COVID-19 pandemic as Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted. 

The new protocols for this phase, which includes the Twin Arrows Hotel, involve the use of masks while inside the casinos, and temperature checks as well. Players must show a government-issued ID to enter. Even though the ban on non-residents of the Navajo Nation has been lifted, the night curfew from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. remains in effect. 

Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise CEO Brian Parrish assured that 80% of the casino’s personnel has been vaccinated and educated about the importance of inocculation. “We are conducting tests of all of our team members every two weeks,” he said, as reported by Navajo Times.

According to Navajo's official website, as the properties reopen, sanitations processes will be heightened, and the casinos will provide hand sanitizer and other means to prevent contagion.

The casinos and the Twin Arrows hotel will operate at a 50% capacity according to Parrish, but the buffet will stay closed. Even though Fire Rock and Northern Edge Casino have been open since March 19, their operating capacity has been limited to 25%. 

"We are starting off with 50% capacity and we're gonna stick with that until the nation transitions from the yellow stage to the green stage," he concluded, contemplating the entire country's epidemiological scenario.

The casino will be open with limited hours of operation in each area. The casino will be open 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily; Arrows Sports Bar: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Zenith Steakhouse: opens Wednesday, July 21. Wednesday-Sunday: 4 p.m. cocktails, 5 p.m. dinner.

The following venues will be closed until further notice: Grand Falls Buffet, Four Worlds Arcade, Bingo, Pool, Fitness Center and Valet. The hotel is now accepting reservations.