Las Vegas Strip Hotels and Casinos to Shut Down to Help Curb COVID-19 Spread

The effect of COVID-19 has taken its toll on major resorts along the Las Vegas Strip: they are closing down to help curb the COVID-19 spread. 

For the next two weeks starting Tuesday, March 17, 2020, Wynn Resorts in Las Vegas will temporarily cease operations its two luxury hotel-casinos. MGM, on the other hand, will close its casino operations on Monday, and its properties on Tuesday.

Mr. Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts, said that the resort has been committed to dedicating additional resources for cleaning and promoting good health, and at the same time, closing certain aspects of the operations despite the challenges that the decision entails. Lately, Mr.Murren admits that it is becoming apparent that COVID-19 is a public health crisis, and it would involve enormous collective actions to contain its spread. 

Murren further explains that this is a period of uncertainty in the US and around the world, and everyone must do their part in curbing the spread of the virus. The resort will reopen once it is safe to do so; still, it is committed to continuing to support its employees, guests, and communities during the closure period. 

Wynn Resorts, on the other hand, will assess the situation after two weeks. To maintain and secure the resort, some employees will stay at the properties. Other recreational services offered at Wynn, such as the buffet, poker room, sportsbooks, clubs, spas, salons, and fitness centers, are also closed.

Wynn Resorts also announced that on Sunday, Encore Boston Harbor will also be temporarily closed to the public for two weeks.

Employees Tested Positive

MGM admits that several of its employees have tested positive for COVID-19. One was from Luxor Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip, and another one was at the Wet Republic Pool at the MGM Grand, MGM spokesman Brian Ahern disclosed. The management is expecting that cases will rise in the coming days. It prompted MGM Resorts to close its three hotel-casinos in New York, Massachusetts, and Ohio last week, before announcing its Las Vegas decision last Sunday.

MGM Resorts President Bill Hornbuckle wrote a letter to employees, announcing lay-offs starting next week.

Wynn CEO Matt Maddox admits that economic hardships would intensify for the company. Business volumes will decline over the next few weeks, citing that the hotel occupancy will be in the low teens. Despite that, Maddox said their concern is that everyone will get through this crisis and that Wynn employees won't have to worry about payments. 

He assures that all full-time employees would be getting their pay. Nevertheless, he expresses uncertainty when this crisis will end but remains hopeful that it eventually will.

Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Sands announced Sunday that it would not close. The company's spokesperson, Ron Reese said the company vows to follow the recommendations to ensure the safety of team members and guests, and it is also not considering lay-offs or any changes to existing health care benefit plans.