The Shoalwater Bay Casino in Tokeland will reopen to the public Friday, with numerous safety measures in place, according to a statement from casino general manager Johnny Winokur.

The casino planned a limited opening starting Tuesday, May 26. For three days, the casino will be open to a very limited number of invitation-only guests. Winokur said the three-day limited opening gave the casino time to test and fine-tune its COVID-19 safety protocols before opening to the public.

Starting Friday, casino hours will be 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. The Smoke’N Spirits Liquor Store remains open daily; the Tradewinds Motel will open at a later date.

Some new sights will greet visitors. The casino floor has been designated all non-smoking. Covered smoking areas will be available outside. Guests’ temperatures will be taken via thermal scanner upon arrival. Any person displaying a temperature above 100 degrees or any other known symptoms of COVID-19 such as coughing or shortness of breath will be asked to visit another time.

All guests and all team members will be required to wear gloves and masks while on the casino floor; it’s preferred you supply your own. You may remove your mask momentarily to have a bite to eat or take a sip of your drink. There will be hand sanitizer stations throughout the property.

The CasinoTrac player system will automatically disable the machines on either side of you when you insert your player club card, cash or gaming ticket, promoting practical social distancing. The casino’s maximum occupancy has been reduced to 150 to further protect guests and team members. Plexi-glass has been installed at the cage, the lounge, the liquor store and the players club, and other safety measures have been implemented.