Wynn requests resuming operations.
Wynn Resorts, an American casino operator, is lobbying the Nevada government to reopen casinos on the Las Vegas Strip starting in mid-May. As part of this effort, the company has outlined a plan with Covid-19 safety measures. What does this plan entail?
Working with Health Experts
The gambling capital of Las Vegas has been heavily impacted by the casino shutdown. In response, Wynn Resorts CEO Matt Maddox is pushing for a phased reopening of Strip casinos and presented a detailed plan with 23 pages of Covid-19 safety guidelines. The document, named "Wynn Las Vegas Health & Sanitation Program," was crafted with the help of three renowned public health advisers from Georgetown and Johns Hopkins universities. It explores different reopening scenarios and outlines precautions to shield both customers and staff from Covid-19 infection.
Maddox has met with various public health experts, pandemic response officials, and Nevada hospital reps over the past few weeks. They've agreed that a phased reopening is the prudent option. "Scientific data and facts can help guide us out of this mess," Maddox stated.
Thermal Cameras, Face Coverings, Cleanliness
Maintaining the well-being of staff and visitors is paramount to Maddox. The first step involves installing thermal cameras. A security team will conduct continuous temperature checks, with those showing elevated temperatures being directed to a private room for further testing. If a fever is confirmed, access will be denied.
The second point is physical distancing. Maddox plans to ensure at least 2 meters between individuals, two-person groups, and employees. This also applies to queues at slot machines, information kiosks, and elevators. Face masks will also be required. People should strive to avoid face-to-face contact as much as possible.
The third focus is on cleanliness. Disinfectant dispensers should be positioned at main entry points and high-touch areas. Frequent sanitizing of areas such as entrances, receptions, hotel lobbies, meeting and conference rooms, elevators, pool landscapes, salons, and restaurant entrances will take place. Gaming tables and game equipment should also be regularly disinfected.
Beyond these measures, warning signs will be placed around the premises to remind people of health and hygiene protocols. For example, electronic signs at gaming tables would explain how to correctly wear and dispose of masks. The signs and programs will be updated regularly.
To preserve health protections, Maddox intends to reduce gaming tables and staff to the bare minimum. Additionally, all Wynn employees have already received Covid-19 training. The company will be working in close collaboration with the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD). Instruction has been given on which primary measures should be taken right away, and how employees can report incidents.
In the future, all employees will undergo additional training to ensure adherence to the regulations. Teams with contact with guests, such as housekeeping, food and beverage, public areas, hotel operations, and security, are specifically highlighted. Employees will also be provided with personal protective equipment in accordance with state regulations.
Currently, all Wynn employees are either working from home or on forced leave. Unlike many other large corporations, Wynn is continuing to pay full wages and has no plans for layoffs. Firms like Caesars and MGM are being criticized for neglecting their employees. During April, several unionized casino workers requested continued wages.
Glimmer of hope in the distance?
Although Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak has extended the shutdown until at least the end of April, Maddox also understands the necessity of these strict measures. Wynn was among the first gaming companies in Nevada to announce the closure due to the coronavirus. However, Maddox was one of the few casino tycoons to advocate for a full shutdown.
Though the expenses are now about $3 million a day, Maddox admits, "We've saved lives." With Nevada experiencing high unemployment due to the pandemic, it's essential to flatten the curve and "safely and sustainably get back up on our feet." Whether Maddox's requests will be implemented in the near future is uncertain. John DeCree, an analyst from Union Gaming, believes that large casinos may be among the first leisure facilities in the U.S. to resume operations, thanks to a new reopening guide published by President Trump. Nevertheless, it's still unclear what safety regulations will be in place.
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Source: www.onlinecasinosdeutschland.com
