It’s been nearly two months since the Las Vegas Strip went dark. The unprecedented move came in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and was the first time since the JFK assignation that the gambling action stopped. However, at that time, it was only for one day. This time, there is no set date for the Strip to reopen.
Wynn Resorts was one of the first Las Vegas resort properties to close in response to the coronavirus. At that time, 15,000 Wynn Resort employees were furloughed and paid for the next 60 days. Wynn Resorts decided to shut down their 2,700 room hotel and casino two weeks before Governor Sisolak issued the statewide stay-at-home order.
But now, the CEO of Wynn Resorts is making an equally unprecedented move, in calling for Nevada to reopen in May.
The Wynn Plan to Reopen
Wynn CEO Matt Maddox wrote an opinion piece published in The Nevada Independent, saying that Governor Steve Sisolak needs to reopen Nevada’s struggling economy, which he points out is “likely to be one of the hardest-hit in the nation.”
“Our economy is in a free fall,” Maddox said. “Nevada will likely be one of the hardest-hit states in the nation. It’s already suffering very high unemployment. It’s imperative to flatten the curve so we can re-open in a safe, sustainable way.”
In his plea to Governor Sisolak, Maddox pointed to the unprecedented cost of the closure to the state’s economy. He also noted his company’s decision to continue paying both part and full-time employees for two months of shutdown. That money includes estimated tips and is costing the company $3 million per day, for a total of $180 million for two months.
Maddox went on to submit a detailed plan for an incremental reopening, which includes increased testing and monitoring as well as wearing masks. The Wynn plan calls for enforcing social distancing within the casinos.
Maddox proposes reopening in mid- to late-May, potentially as early as May 22.
He also feels that his plan could serve as a model for other casinos and businesses in the hospitality industry. The plan includes sanitizing rooms and public areas and enforcing social distancing by increasing the space between slot machines and restaurant tables. However, the Wynn plan takes the preventative measures a step further, by scanning guests with thermal imaging cameras to look for those with high temperatures. The plan states that anyone with a temperature over 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit will be taken to a private area for a second temperature screening. Guests and employees confirmed to have a temperature over 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit will not be allowed on the property and will be directed to seek appropriate medical care.
Guests and employees who pass the temperature screening would be given a mask to wear as well as hand sanitizer.
The Wynn resorts would also attempt to cut down on taxi and limousines to and from their properties. If guests do arrive with such transportation provided by the resort, the number of passengers would be limited. Likewise, employees would be instructed not to touch the vehicle’s door handles. That also means no valet service.
Inside the casinos, slot machines, restaurant tables, and other fixtures would be rearranged to create a safety zone of at least six feet. Signs will be placed to encourage guests to practice social distancing. Public areas such as the swimming pools will be sectioned off so that guests can swim while maintaining social distance.
Furthermore, the plans call for all Nevadans to wear masks at all times while out in public.
Public Reaction to the Plan
Public reaction to the Wynn plan has been mixed; some think it’s a start, but others say it will take all of the fun out of the Vegas experience. Many can not imagine enjoying Vegas while wearing masks and gloves. While there are challenges for Sin City in the post-COVID-19 era, at least the Wynn plan presents a light at the end of the tunnel.
Despite the current shutdown, several hotels along the Strip are taking hotel reservations starting May 15. Among the hotels taking reservations are Treasure Island, Caesars, and the Station casinos. However, MGM Resorts said it was canceling hotel reservations made between May 1st and May 21st. Finally, Wynn Resorts has announced that they’ll begin taking reservations for Memorial Day Weekend, on May 25.
