COVID cases continue to rise in western counties

STAFF REPORTS R ural counties have so far been sheltered from the high numbers of positive COVID-19 cases, but as testing ramps up, the number of positive cases continue to rise.

Nine additional Jackson County residents have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past week, bringing the total to 36 as of Tuesday, June 2, up from 27 on May 26.

In addition, two part-time residents and 22 non-residents who saw Jackson County care providers have contracted the novel coronavirus. These numbers have held steady in recent weeks.

As of June 2, a total of 1,504 COVID-19 tests have been administered in Jackson County, up from 1,292 on May 26.

Haywood County’s total cases as of June 1 was 55 — 35 of those cases are already recovered while the other 20 people remain in isolation. Out of the latest seven positive cases reported June 1, only one individual had recent out-of-state travel history.

Haywood County also reported the first child under the age of 10 to test positive for the coronavirus on May 29.

As of June 1, Swain County had 21 confirmed cases after testing a total of 1,133 people. While 1,056 tests were negative, the county is still waiting for the results of 56 pending tests.

Macon County has seen its numbers spike due to community spread and two clusters identified (see page 8). In response, Macon County will be holding a drive thru testing clinic from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 4 at

Casinos reopen at limited capacity

The Farm at Old Edwards Inn, 332 Arnold Rd., Highlands.

Highlands-Cashiers Health Foundation will be holding a testing clinic in Cashiers on June 6 and in Highlands June 13. For more information, visit www.highlandscashiers healthfoundation.org.

BY HOLLY KAYS S TAFF WRITER F or the first time since closing March 18, Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos in Murphy and Cherokee are now open to the general public.

The facilities reopened on Thursday, May 28, with various changes from pre-coronavirus operations. The casinos are limited to 30 percent of capacity, and while table games are included in the reopening with fewer playing positions per game, the poker room remains closed. Smoking is not allowed in the gaming areas, and guests are required to undergo a temperature check before entering and wear a mask while inside.

While most casino restaurants are open with limited seating and carryout operations, other amenities are closed and will open in phases as determined by the state and the tribe.

Opening weekend went well, said Regional Vice President for Marketing Brian Saunooke.

“We are pleased with the visitation to both properties in the early days of reopening,” he said.

The resort in Cherokee saw about 4,500 guests per day over the weekend, with the Valley River location in Murphy receiving about 2,000 visitors each day. Neither property hit the 30 percent capacity limit set by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Under normal circumstances, occupancy this time of year would be above 30 percent but below 50 percent, said Saunooke.

While May 28 marked the casinos’ first time welcoming guests from the general public, the properties have been open since May 18 on an invitation-only basis. The casinos are following new health and safety protocols from Caesar’s Entertainment Corporation, including more frequent cleaning and sanitization, daily employee health checks, and a requirement that employees wear masks.

The tribe’s decision to close the casinos this spring will have a significant impact on its budget, which draws more than half its revenue from casino proceeds. Visitation is expected to remain lower than normal over the coming months due to reduced capacity and visitor confidence in light of COVID-19, and Principal Chief Richard Sneed said that his recommended budget for the 2020-2021 fiscal year, which begin Oct. 1, will be based on 50 percent of normal casino projections.

Tribal members who receive per capita distributions are already seeing the effects. The June 2020 distribution represented a 3 percent decrease from the June 2019 distribution, and the tribe has suspended until further notice the per capita loan program that allows tribal members to borrow against their upcoming per capita payments.

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