The Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indian owns and operates the Sherwood Valley Casino in Willits, California. Photo: Sherwood Valley Casino

SHERWOOD VALLEY BAND OF POMO INDIANS

Sherwood Valley Casino Will Temporarily Suspend Operations to Prevent Spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 18, 2020

WILLITS, CA – Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians announced today that in an abundance of precaution they have made the difficult decision to suspend all operations through the end of the month, effective tonight (03/ 18/20) at 10:00 p.m. This decision reflects our continued commitment to our number one priority: the health and well-being of our Tribal Membership, team members, guests, and surrounding communities.

Over the coming weeks, Sherwood Valley leadership will monitor the situation and will communicate when it is decided that we can safely resume operations. We will continue to update our website and social media with new information and inform the general public via social media as this situation unfolds.

Although Mendocino County has no reported cases of COVID-19, the Sherwood Valley Band believes the temporary closure is a responsible step demanded by the growing public health emergency.

The Tribal Council and casino management have been tracking local, state and federal health announcements to stay current about COVID-19 and make sound decisions.

Sherwood Valley realizes that this temporary closure will affect the lives of its dedicated work force and all team members, therefore they will continue to be paid and receive benefits during the closure.

To ensure everyone’s well-being, all scheduled promotions and events at the casino have been postponed until further notice. When we reschedule these events, we will inform our guests with all the updated information.

In a statement, Melanie Rafanan, Chairperson of the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo said: “As a Tribal Government and major local employer, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily close Sherwood Valley Casino for the health and safety of our Team  Members,  Tribal  Members, and guests due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Rafanan  added, “The Sherwood  Valley community  has faced difficulties and obstacles before and have overcome them, and together we  will successfully get through this difficult time too.”

Through this rapidly evolving situation, the Sherwood Valley Tribe remains committed to creating a safe and healthy environment for all guests and team members, as well as doing our part to slow the spread of the virus. In the meantime, stay well and we look forward to our reopening and seeing you again soon.

We appreciate your continued patience, support and trust in us as we navigate this pandemic.

We are all in this together.

We will get through this together.

Sherwood Valley Casino: https://www.svrcasino.com

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