It’s been nearly three months since Las Vegas went into a lockdown spurred by the rapid spread of coronavirus throughout the United States this spring. At midnight on March 18, the city’s hotels emptied out, world-famous restaurants shut their doors, Las Vegas’ blackjack tables went quiet, its slot machines stopped, and at theatres and venues all over the city, thousands of shows dimmed their lights.

Since March, experts estimate that businesses in Las Vegas (and the city itself) have lost hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. According to the city’s Gaming Control Board, larger Las Vegas Strip properties lost, on average, US$700,000 daily in gaming revenue alone—not including revenue from hospitality, dining, entertainment, amenities and more. USA Today cites a report published by the Macquarie Group that estimates daily losses at major hospitality and casino groups in Las Vegas ranging from US$1.7 million a day (Red Rock Resorts—which operates properties including Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa, Palms and Palace Station) to US$14.4 million a day (MGM Resorts International—which operates properties including the MGM Grand, the Bellagio, the Aria, the NoMad Las Vegas and Mandalay Bay). After months of closure, it looks like Las Vegas is ready to reopen again, with MGM Resorts International announcing this morning that its Bellagio, New York-New York, MGM Grand Las Vegas and The Signature plan to reopen on June 4—initially with limited amenities, and with a phased reopening, pending destination demand, of its other Las Vegas properties to come—and Wynn Resorts announcing its flagship properties, the Wynn and the Encore, will also be open for business. 

“As we plan for these openings, the health and safety of our guests and employees is at the forefront of all we do,” said MGM Resorts’ acting CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle said in a statement. “Getting many of our employees back to work and welcoming guests through our doors once again will allow us to do what we do best—entertain. The team is ready and we can't wait."

As part of its phased reopening strategy, MGM Resorts has publicly disclosed its safety plan, which was devised by the hospitality group in partnership with medical experts. These newly-implemented protocols will include regular employee screenings, Covid-19 training, compulsory mask-wearing for employees (strongly recommended for guests—required, in some environments of closer personal contact, such as in salons or in elevators), social distancing facilitated by floor guides, new handwashing stations on casino floors, contactless check-ins on personal devices, and digital menus available on personal handhelds via QR codes in restaurants.

At the Encore and Wynn Las Vegas—fun fact: the Wynn Las Vegas is the largest five-star resort on Earth—”every amenity and outlet available” will be open, according to the corporate announcement. This will include both hotel towers, two 24-hour casinos, all of the resorts’ restaurants and lounges, its pools and private cabanas, the Wynn golf course, three retail esplanades, its fitness centres, including its spas, salons and barber shops, as well as its show Lake of Dreams. 

"We are ready to provide our guests with a full Las Vegas experience with a collection of luxury amenities and unmatched service," said Wynn Resorts CEO Matt Maddox in the statement. "At the same time, our extensive Health & Safety Plan, validated by the nation's leading public health experts, will enable a safe environment for our guests. The entire Wynn team is looking forward to welcoming our guests back."

The Wynn has also publicised its newly-installed health and safety measures, which includes masks provided upon entry, temperature checks, hand sanitiser stations, new sanitisation products in guest room amenity kits, daily 24-hour cleaning and sanitisation of public areas, and comprehensive testing for all employees before resuming work.