The mask policy goes into effect 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 30, and includes both vaccinated and non-vaccinated people.
Las Vegas casino operators quickly put out statements encouraging compliance with the directive.
Wynn Las Vegas said, “We will follow the Governor’s and Control Board’s directive and require all guests and employees to wear masks indoors, which we will communicate with signage and masks at entrance doors to the resort.”
MGM Resorts issued a statement saying, “Nothing is more important than the health and safety of guests, employees and our community. We continually evaluate and update our policies based on the latest information and guidance from health experts and public officials.”
The mask directive comes after Nevada reported a sharp increase in Covid-19 cases over the previous. The state’s seven-day average of new cases reached 850 on July 24, compared to 450 on July 4. Nevada’s positivity rate was 14% on July 27.
MGM CEO Bill Hornbuckle sent a company-wide memo July 28 warning of possible furloughs and layoffs if social distancing and capacity restrictions return.
Hornbuckle encouraged employees to get vaccinated as soon possible, calling the vaccine safe and effective.
“Our region’s low vaccination rate is putting us back on the path to overrun hospitals, unnecessary deaths, fewer tourists, and possible furloughs and layoffs,” he wrote. “We have the tools to end this once and for all. But those tools are only effective if we all do our part to make use of them. Please, be part of the solution and get vaccinated as soon as possible.”
