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The Capital Wheel Turns Once More: National Harbor Reopens

Various safety measures in place to follow CDC and local guidelines

The Capital Wheel at MGM National Harbor (Courtesy photo)

ALEXANDRIA, VA- There is some big news in the DMV.  MGM National Harbor is open for business! Officially opened June 29, the casino has launched its Welcome Back campaign and a new initiative to allow people to have fun and be safe at the same time.

Safety First

National Harbor has followed CDC and local guidelines for reopening. On the property, visitors will find hand washing and sanitizing stations. Social distancing will be strictly enforced. In addition, masks will be provided to visitors who are not wearing one.

Restaurants are serving food for carryout and for dining on the Waterfront. Picnic tables are placed six feet apart. So order a meal from Grace’s Mandarin or Bond45, for example.

The STARTS Initiative implements social distancing measures and other coronavirus-related health guidelines. The acronym stands for Sanitizing, Touchpoints, Advanced technology, Reinforced social distancing, Teaching & educating, and Security. There are also screening procedures in place, such as temperature checks in the casino.

“While safety has always been our top priority, we’ve added some procedures and want guests to be informed before they visit,” explained Derek Lovato, general manager and vice president of ICON Attractions, the company that oversees The Capital Wheel. “Our team members have all gone through COVID-19 training, we’ve updated operating procedures, deep cleaned everything, and we look forward to welcoming guests back.”

The Capital Wheel and the Carousel

The Capital Wheel has opened too. A landmark in the DC region, it has been decorated by lights during the pandemic as a sign of hope. Tickets to ride the Capital Wheel can be purchased online HERE. Safety measures for the Capital Wheel can be found HERE. Tickets to ride the reopened Carousel can be purchased HERE.

Sidewalk Sale and More

On Friday, July 3, National Harbor will continue its opening celebration with a sidewalk sale from 1 to 6 p.m. on the Waterfront District. There will be food and visitors can purchase items from retailers including  Danforth Pewter, ZAAF, BrookieGirl and Brackish Waters.

For the most up-to-date information on the Welcome Back campaign and activities at National Harbor, click HERE.

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Kevin Dauray

Kevin is Publisher's Assistant with The Zebra Press. He has been working for Alexandria's "Good News" newspaper since 2019. A graduate of George Mason University, he earned a bachelor's in English with a concentration in Creative Writing. He also studied at the Columbia School of Broadcasting and holds a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University. He is an alumnus of T.C. Williams High School. Go Titans!

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