This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/28/us/california-virus-casinos.html

The article has changed 30 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 4 Version 5
Asserting Sovereignty, Indian Casinos Defy California’s Governor and Reopen Asserting Sovereignty, Indian Casinos Defy California’s Governor and Reopen
(3 days later)
MORAGA, Calif. — It was a high-stakes gamble: a chance to win big at the slot machines but risk getting infected with the coronavirus. Braving a cold drizzle last week, hundreds placed their bet, lining up for hours in front of the Viejas Casino and Resort, a glass-and-stone Indian casino east of San Diego that was reopening despite pleas from California’s governor, Gavin Newsom.MORAGA, Calif. — It was a high-stakes gamble: a chance to win big at the slot machines but risk getting infected with the coronavirus. Braving a cold drizzle last week, hundreds placed their bet, lining up for hours in front of the Viejas Casino and Resort, a glass-and-stone Indian casino east of San Diego that was reopening despite pleas from California’s governor, Gavin Newsom.
Fleming Clark, 56, a former manager at a fast-food restaurant, displayed the dedication of many gamblers in line, driving hours to the casino despite health conditions that put him at higher risk of Covid-19 complications.Fleming Clark, 56, a former manager at a fast-food restaurant, displayed the dedication of many gamblers in line, driving hours to the casino despite health conditions that put him at higher risk of Covid-19 complications.
“This is my chance to come out, after being locked up in the house,” Mr. Clark said. “I thought it would be a good time to come out and take a chance.”“This is my chance to come out, after being locked up in the house,” Mr. Clark said. “I thought it would be a good time to come out and take a chance.”
The reopening of the California economy has been a political duel between businesses desperate for income and a governor who warns his constituents at every turn about the dangers of returning to something resembling normalcy too quickly.The reopening of the California economy has been a political duel between businesses desperate for income and a governor who warns his constituents at every turn about the dangers of returning to something resembling normalcy too quickly.
Churches and beaches have become bitter battlegrounds, pitting conservatives in California against the Democratic governor, but the issue of the state’s more than 70 Indian casinos, an $8 billion industry that has been shut down for the past two months, has been a separate contest of wills, both legally and politically.Churches and beaches have become bitter battlegrounds, pitting conservatives in California against the Democratic governor, but the issue of the state’s more than 70 Indian casinos, an $8 billion industry that has been shut down for the past two months, has been a separate contest of wills, both legally and politically.
Complicated by the role of Indian sovereignty, the question of who should decide when Indian casinos are allowed to open is shadowed by the legacy of the deadly and degrading treatment of tribal communities for centuries. Under a series of agreements that tribes have with the government, Indian businesses have special status that allows them to operate independently in many areas.Complicated by the role of Indian sovereignty, the question of who should decide when Indian casinos are allowed to open is shadowed by the legacy of the deadly and degrading treatment of tribal communities for centuries. Under a series of agreements that tribes have with the government, Indian businesses have special status that allows them to operate independently in many areas.
More than a dozen Indian casinos across California reopened last week, with Viejas vowing “a hospital-clean environment” and strict limits on the number of people gambling at one time. A majority of Indian casinos in the state have chosen to stay closed and are coordinating their reopening with the governor’s office, which has proposed an opening date in early June.More than a dozen Indian casinos across California reopened last week, with Viejas vowing “a hospital-clean environment” and strict limits on the number of people gambling at one time. A majority of Indian casinos in the state have chosen to stay closed and are coordinating their reopening with the governor’s office, which has proposed an opening date in early June.
The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria runs a casino north of San Francisco that is still shut, but Greg Sarris, the chairman, does not question the right of other tribes to open.The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria runs a casino north of San Francisco that is still shut, but Greg Sarris, the chairman, does not question the right of other tribes to open.
“I will honor any tribe’s sovereignty,” Mr. Sarris said. “Sovereignty is the only thing we have.”“I will honor any tribe’s sovereignty,” Mr. Sarris said. “Sovereignty is the only thing we have.”
In a series of correspondences and video chats with tribal leaders this month, Mr. Newsom sought to persuade more than cajole. Referring to the “spirit of sovereign-to-sovereign engagement,” the governor requested that the tribes keep their casinos closed until the state’s public health office allowed the reopening of similar “high-risk” businesses where large groups gather or people are in proximity.In a series of correspondences and video chats with tribal leaders this month, Mr. Newsom sought to persuade more than cajole. Referring to the “spirit of sovereign-to-sovereign engagement,” the governor requested that the tribes keep their casinos closed until the state’s public health office allowed the reopening of similar “high-risk” businesses where large groups gather or people are in proximity.
“This virus does not recognize jurisdictional boundaries, and it is in the best interest of public health to move toward reopening in concert,” the governor wrote in a May 15 letter to tribal leaders.“This virus does not recognize jurisdictional boundaries, and it is in the best interest of public health to move toward reopening in concert,” the governor wrote in a May 15 letter to tribal leaders.
Three days later the Viejas casino opened its doors.Three days later the Viejas casino opened its doors.
The Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, the tribe that runs the Viejas casino, did not respond to requests for comment. But John Christman, the chairman of the Viejas Band, co-signed an earlier letter to Mr. Newsom by casino-owning tribes in San Diego County that was polite but firm in describing their intentions.The Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, the tribe that runs the Viejas casino, did not respond to requests for comment. But John Christman, the chairman of the Viejas Band, co-signed an earlier letter to Mr. Newsom by casino-owning tribes in San Diego County that was polite but firm in describing their intentions.
“We fully share and embrace your primary concern for public health and welfare,” said the letter, a copy of which was obtained from an industry consultant. “We believe strongly our governments and business operations are ready, willing and able to maintain public health and welfare while we responsibly reopen our gaming operations.”“We fully share and embrace your primary concern for public health and welfare,” said the letter, a copy of which was obtained from an industry consultant. “We believe strongly our governments and business operations are ready, willing and able to maintain public health and welfare while we responsibly reopen our gaming operations.”
Indian casinos say that everyone in the casinos must wear a mask and that both patrons and staff members will have their temperature checked using remote sensing. Casinos have canceled concerts and other performances.Indian casinos say that everyone in the casinos must wear a mask and that both patrons and staff members will have their temperature checked using remote sensing. Casinos have canceled concerts and other performances.
California has by far the largest Indian casino industry, with revenues twice those of Oklahoma, which is the second largest, according to a 2018 report by Alan P. Meister, an economist and consultant who specializes in Indian gaming.California has by far the largest Indian casino industry, with revenues twice those of Oklahoma, which is the second largest, according to a 2018 report by Alan P. Meister, an economist and consultant who specializes in Indian gaming.
Indian casinos were authorized under the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 and took root in California a decade later when tribes began reaching agreements with the state. The California casinos have been whittling away at the dominance of the Las Vegas gaming industry ever since.Indian casinos were authorized under the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 and took root in California a decade later when tribes began reaching agreements with the state. The California casinos have been whittling away at the dominance of the Las Vegas gaming industry ever since.
Howard Dickstein, a lawyer who negotiated five Indian gaming agreements with the state, known as compacts, says tribal governments vary in their levels of indebtedness and their reliance on gambling for income. For some tribes it was more urgent than others to reopen, Mr. Dickstein said.Howard Dickstein, a lawyer who negotiated five Indian gaming agreements with the state, known as compacts, says tribal governments vary in their levels of indebtedness and their reliance on gambling for income. For some tribes it was more urgent than others to reopen, Mr. Dickstein said.
But for all tribes with casinos, the closure in mid-March, which came after considerable haggling with Mr. Newsom, elicited fears that the tribes could lose the financial independence that came with owning a successful business.But for all tribes with casinos, the closure in mid-March, which came after considerable haggling with Mr. Newsom, elicited fears that the tribes could lose the financial independence that came with owning a successful business.
“Every single one of them comes out of extreme poverty,” Mr. Dickstein said. “They don’t want to risk going back to that poverty.”“Every single one of them comes out of extreme poverty,” Mr. Dickstein said. “They don’t want to risk going back to that poverty.”
Indian casinos in California employ more than 60,000 people, and profits are funneled through dividends across Native American communities. The Graton casino underwrites charities in the San Francisco Bay Area and nationally, including scholarships for Native American children, a book fair and food bank.Indian casinos in California employ more than 60,000 people, and profits are funneled through dividends across Native American communities. The Graton casino underwrites charities in the San Francisco Bay Area and nationally, including scholarships for Native American children, a book fair and food bank.
Several tribes have sought to diversify into other businesses, but those plans are typically bankrolled by the casino operations. The tribal government that Mr. Dickstein currently represents, the United Auburn Indian Community, owns buildings that it rents out to the state of California for offices.Several tribes have sought to diversify into other businesses, but those plans are typically bankrolled by the casino operations. The tribal government that Mr. Dickstein currently represents, the United Auburn Indian Community, owns buildings that it rents out to the state of California for offices.
A casino outside Sacramento that is run by the United Auburn Indian Community, Thunder Valley, plans to reopen on June 8.A casino outside Sacramento that is run by the United Auburn Indian Community, Thunder Valley, plans to reopen on June 8.
Mr. Sarris, the chairman of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, says he was very ambivalent going into the casino business two decades ago. Mr. Sarris does not gamble or drink.Mr. Sarris, the chairman of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, says he was very ambivalent going into the casino business two decades ago. Mr. Sarris does not gamble or drink.
Updated June 5, 2020Updated June 5, 2020
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
“It has its problems like everything else,” Mr. Sarris said of gaming.“It has its problems like everything else,” Mr. Sarris said of gaming.
According to the latest report by California’s Office of Problem Gambling, 2,800 people called the state’s hotline in 2017 to report problems related to gambling, more than half of whom reported Indian casinos as their preference.According to the latest report by California’s Office of Problem Gambling, 2,800 people called the state’s hotline in 2017 to report problems related to gambling, more than half of whom reported Indian casinos as their preference.
The average annual income of callers was $57,000 and the average annual amount spent on gambling was $33,000. Ten percent said gambling had resulted in the loss of a primary relationship and 15 percent reported problems with creditors. A quarter said gambling had caused them stress, anxiety or depression.The average annual income of callers was $57,000 and the average annual amount spent on gambling was $33,000. Ten percent said gambling had resulted in the loss of a primary relationship and 15 percent reported problems with creditors. A quarter said gambling had caused them stress, anxiety or depression.
Mr. Sarris said that before opening the casino he tried to find other businesses for his tribal members, including cheesemaking.Mr. Sarris said that before opening the casino he tried to find other businesses for his tribal members, including cheesemaking.
“There was no economic viability being on these very small isolated plots of land,” he said.“There was no economic viability being on these very small isolated plots of land,” he said.
Gambling, he said, “was the only way anyone would invest in us.”Gambling, he said, “was the only way anyone would invest in us.”
Native tribes have a monopoly on operating casinos in California, creating a huge industry that is second only to Nevada.Native tribes have a monopoly on operating casinos in California, creating a huge industry that is second only to Nevada.
Mr. Sarris secured more than $2 billion in financing and the Graton casino, which employs 2,000 people, opened to the public in 2013. It operated nonstop until closing its doors in March because of the coronavirus.Mr. Sarris secured more than $2 billion in financing and the Graton casino, which employs 2,000 people, opened to the public in 2013. It operated nonstop until closing its doors in March because of the coronavirus.
Mr. Sarris is working with the governor’s staff members on the timing of reopening, which he hopes to make happen in June.Mr. Sarris is working with the governor’s staff members on the timing of reopening, which he hopes to make happen in June.
If the long lines outside the Viejas casino last week are any gauge, other casinos will not have trouble attracting customers back.If the long lines outside the Viejas casino last week are any gauge, other casinos will not have trouble attracting customers back.
Daniel Rios, 30, who was still waiting to get into Viejas after two and a half hours in line, said he had struggled with the monotony of sheltering at home after being laid off from his job at a Marriott Hotel in mid-March. Before the pandemic, he used to gamble at casinos about once a week. When he got an email from Viejas announcing the reopening, he knew how he would spend his Monday.Daniel Rios, 30, who was still waiting to get into Viejas after two and a half hours in line, said he had struggled with the monotony of sheltering at home after being laid off from his job at a Marriott Hotel in mid-March. Before the pandemic, he used to gamble at casinos about once a week. When he got an email from Viejas announcing the reopening, he knew how he would spend his Monday.
“I was bored at home,” Mr. Rios said. “I wanted to do something.”“I was bored at home,” Mr. Rios said. “I wanted to do something.”
Mr. Clark, the former fast-food manager, said his doctor had advised him not to go to the casino given his lupus and high blood pressure.Mr. Clark, the former fast-food manager, said his doctor had advised him not to go to the casino given his lupus and high blood pressure.
“I’m not going to tell her, though,” he said, laughing.“I’m not going to tell her, though,” he said, laughing.
Returning to the casino, he said, was comforting.Returning to the casino, he said, was comforting.
“It just seemed like old times again.”“It just seemed like old times again.”
Roxana Popescu contributed reporting from Alpine, Calif.Roxana Popescu contributed reporting from Alpine, Calif.