Casino operator MGM Resorts has targeted Mississippi as the first US state in which to relaunch operations that were forced to close by the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Tuesday, MGM announced plans to reopen its Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica, Mississippi on Monday, May 25, with Biloxi’s Beau Rivage Resort & Casino throwing open its doors the following Monday, June 1. Both properties plan to hold invitation-only weekends ahead of their respective openings.

Under the reopening plan announced last week by the Mississippi Gaming Commission, all reopened casinos will be limited to 50% of their normal capacity. The MGM casinos will also be subject to the company’s ‘seven-point safety plan,’ which will require customers to observe physical distancing and, in some cases – such as gaming tables at which physical barriers aren’t in place – wear masks provided by MGM at no cost.

Each property will also offer a selection of their normal food & beverage offerings, with guests receiving text messages when their tables are ready to avoid congregating at the entranceways. Both properties are also accepting room reservations for stays starting according to their respective openings.