In response to the evolving news of the COVID-19 virus, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation President Bernadine Burnette said the Tribal Council decided this morning to temporarily close the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort and the Government offices for the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation through Thursday, April 2.
These unprecedented times call for action by everyone in our community. The decision to temporarily suspend operations was done for the health and safety of our guests, team members, and all Yavapai Nation Tribal Members.
“This was a painful decision as our casino is the economic lifeblood of our Nation,” President Burnette said. “We are reliant on gaming revenue to support our tribal government and provide services to tribal members. The global Coronavirus crisis threatens the physical health and economic welfare of all Americans. Addressing this crisis requires significant sacrifices from all of us. The Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation will do its part to defeat this threat.”
The Nation has committed to pay their employees with benefits during this temporary suspension of operations.
We have been actively following the guidelines and best practices set forth from the CDC, WHO and the Arizona Department of Health Services. While there have been no reported cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) at any of our properties as of today, this was a decision to protect our team members and our guests.
We plan to reopen the morning of Thursday, April 2.
The We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort hotel staff will work with their guests. Guests with upcoming reservations during the temporary suspension of operations, will be contacted on an individual basis for cancellations or rescheduling their visit.
At the present time, the We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, Baja Gas, Eagle View RV Resort, and Yavapai Materials and Farm will remain open.
Throughout this closure, the Casino and Hotel will continue to keep the public updated. Should we decide to open sooner, or need to extend the closure, we will update our websites at fmcasino.com and wekoparesort.com, and fmyn.org
Thank you for your patience and understanding. We look forward to seeing you again in two weeks.