CHEROKEE, N.C. (AP) - Health officials in North Carolina are investigating a cluster of coronavirus cases after five casino employees tested positive for the virus within two weeks.
The cases were identified among Harrah’s Cherokee Casino employees who work in the table games section, the Jackson County Department of Public Health said in a news release Monday. They are now following isolation orders.
“Based on information provided by the employees and video surveillance records, no other employees or customers have been identified as close contacts as defined by the CDC,” said Brooks Robinson, the casino’s regional manager. “All employees who test positive, show symptoms or have had close contact with someone who has tested positive have been directed not to come to work and to self isolate.”
The casino had closed in March after an executive order was issued by Gov. Roy Cooper aimed at slowing the spread of the virus. The business then announced it would be reopening in late May with 30% capacity, social distancing protocols, and a mask requirement for employees.
They said in May that daily “health checks” would also be conducted on casino employees.
Jackson County, where the casino is located, has nearly 280 confirmed coronavirus cases and three deaths due to the virus.
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