The three most popular casino operators in Las Vegas are reportedly joining forces to provide their employees with free coronavirus tests. This is one of the many necessary steps they must take to re-open their casinos in the entertainment capital of the world, as there have been lots of talk lately about allowing visitors back to the city. According to the Las Vegas Sun, Boyd Gaming Corporation, Caesars Entertainment Corporation and MGM Resorts International all plan to provide free tests.
In March, all venues in Las Vegas were forced to close their doors to visitors. At that time nine weeks ago, the state’s death toll had hit 23. It then peaked on April 24th, and so the number of cases has been slowly decreasing since then.
The preparations for casinos started as soon as the governor initiated a program for re-opening many non-essential businesses in the state, including things such as hair salons and restaurants. These would be partially re-opened, and casinos hope that their turn will come soon, too. While closed, almost all casinos are burning through millions of dollars weekly, and that’s the main reason why casino officials have been pushing for them to re-open as soon as possible.
The Free Coronavirus Testing Program
There are approximately 90,000 employees working in the gambling and hospitality industry in Las Vegas venues owned by the three big operators mentioned earlier. That’s why they’ve joined forces to provide free tests for everyone. They are working with the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada to conduct the tests, which will take place inside the Las Vegas Convention Center.
According to the Las Vegas Sun, the local branch of the Culinary Workers Union called Local 226 will support this action, and they hope to be able to conduct as many as 4,000 tests a day. Tested employees should be able to find out their results within 48 hours.
The three casino operators currently hold some of Las Vegas’ most iconic venues, including Caesars Palace Las Vegas, MGM Grand Las Vegas, and many more. The operators made a joint statement, where they claim that employees who test positive for the coronavirus will be directed to the Southern Nevada Health District.
The CEO of Caesars, Tony Rodio, stated that all Caesars employees will have to fill in a questionnaire that would help them determine whether they need to take the coronavirus exposure test or not. Moreover, Keith Smith of the Boyd Gaming Corporation stated that his company wanted to provide a “safe and entertaining environment” for both staff and patrons. That will help with putting a stop to the coronavirus spread.
Finally, MGM’s Bill Hornbuckle said that testing employees would help them get “peace of mind” and provide the “greatest possible precautions.” It’s only a matter of days when the three operators will open the doors of their venues.
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