The world-famous casinos and resorts in the ghost town that is now Las Vegas, which completely shut down March 18 to protect people from COVID-19, will be thrown open June 4 with guests only being encouraged to wear facemasks
The City of Second Chances gambles its plan to reopen its gaming industry with steep room discounts, no resort fees, and free parking, among many other temporary perks, will be enough to overcome the fear of infection among guests and high rollers for them to return by the thousands.
In 2019, the Gambling Capital of the World received more than 42.5 million people, an increase of 1% from 2018, said the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). The record for visitor arrivals were set in 2016 when 42.9 million people from around the world came to this desert town in the Mojave Desert in Nevada.
Nevada governor Steve Sisolak (D) said casinos in Las Vegas and other Nevada cities can reopen June 4 in line with the guidance provided in Phase 2 of the state's reopening campaign.
On Tuesday, Sisolak said the state continues to see a consistent and sustainable downward trajectory in positive COVID-19 cases, and a decrease in the trend of COVID-19 hospitalizations.
Nevada's positive test result rate has dropped to 6.5%. The state has also exceeded its target of conducting 4,000 tests a day. Sisolak said hospitalizations of people confirmed with COVID-19 are on a 35-day downward trend.
Sisolak said the state has "taken every precaution possible. I don't think you're going to find a safer place to come than Las Vegas."
Nevada will allow some public gathering spots to reopen at 50% capacity during Phase 2. These spots include gyms, water parks, and swimming pools. People will be allowed to gather in groups of up to 50 people as long as safety precautions are followed.
Sisolak said churches and other places of worship can reopen during Phase 2. The places of worship, however, can only host a maximum of 50 people at a time. Congregants must remain at least two meters (6 feet) apart.
On the other hand, Sisolak encouraged all places of worship to provide online or virtual services to protect their members. Wearing facemasks are vital, said Sisolak.
Sisolak said when people are out in public, "wear a mask or face covering, practice social distancing, and wash your hands." He did say, however, face coverings shouldn't be worn in the water.
Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman has long and loudly called for restaurants, hotels, and casinos to reopen. Proclaiming her city is in "a unique economic crisis," Goodman wanted Las Vegas to be among the first to reopen because competition will ultimately determine which establishments are the safest to visit. She pointed out only establishments with the most infections should be forced to close down, and not all establishments.
