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Nevada casinos plan to reopen as early as May 15

Each day there is a spike in number of COVID-19 cases around the globe, while some cities may have experienced a slow recovery, Nevada’s Governor Steve Sisolak commented to make a phased plan for re-opening of Nevada’s business. The lockdown was issued on 17 March which was further extended till the end of April, Sisolak received an open letter on 19 April by Matt Maddox, CEO of Wynn Resorts saying, “The only way to cross this river is one stone at a time, and we need to put our feet in the water before it is too late.”

With the closure of non-essential business, massive losses were reported by the employees as well as business owners. About 300,000 people filed for unemployment benefits which sparked a protest over last weekend. Looking at the current scenario, the Governor commented, “So the emergency is not over yet, but it has entered a new phase.” A phased plan will be implemented for re-opening of business in Nevada. Phase one of the plan includes reopening of sporting events, movie theaters, churches as well as restaurants. All those businesses will be able to operate as long as they apply a strict social distancing protocol for their visitors.

Maddox and other casino operators are calling on Sisolak to “slowly begin to reopen [casinos] with extensive safety measures in place” in May. The state’s infection rate is among the country’s lowest right now with about 4k cases or less and the hospital beds are sitting empty. In a report published April 17, John DeCree, an analyst with Union Gaming, suggested that venues such as casinos might be among the first businesses allowed to reopen, if they introduced social distancing protocols. These might include having fewer available seats per table, keeping poker rooms closed, and switching off every other slot machine. Masks for dealers and gamblers all should be given.

The giant Wynn Resorts turned to the Governor with a request to restart the business in May. They even announced that they are in process of implementing their own health and safety strategy upon resuming. They suggested using thermal cameras at the point of entry to identify customers with a temperature over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The company also plans to put touchless hand sanitizer dispensers throughout its venues and to ramp up sanitation protocol. Also looking to reduce the occupancy for elevators as well as contact surfaces such as doors by leaving them open or placing an automatic mechanism.

For more updates on casinos around the world, keep reading GutshotMagazine.com and stay tuned!

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