MGM Resorts International became the latest operator to unveil a comprehensive health and safety plan on May 12.
Digital technologies offering contactless check-in, rigorous cleaning standards and reconfigured spaces to enable physical distancing are among the ways resorts will deal with the pandemic.
Bill Hornbuckle, acting president and CEO of MGM Resorts, discussed how casinos plan to reopen in an interview with NBC News. "If our counts stay reasonably low and things don't escalate, we'll be opening the casinos sometime late this month, first part of June; Vegas done safely, I think, is still Vegas."
Developed in consultation with scientific, medical and public health experts, the Seven-Point Safety Plan will be implemented at MGM Resorts properties nationwide. It includes protocols and procedures to deter the spread of the virus, protect customers and employees and rapidly respond to potential new cases.
An MGM Resorts' rendering of a casino floor plan shows physical distancing.
"Our properties will not look the way they used to for a while, and that's not only OK, it's critically important," Hornbuckle said. "We will continue providing the hospitality experiences we are known for, but we must do so safely. We will continue working with experts and following guidance from the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention and government officials and regulators as we evolve these protocols based on the latest information."
The seven primary points of emphasis in the report are:
• Guests and employees will receive temperature checks at entrances.
• Mandatory masks and personal protective equipment will be provided for MGM Resorts employees. Guests will be offered free masks and will be encouraged to wear them in public areas. They will also be asked to limit the amount of time masks are removed when drinking on the casino floor and to refrain from eating on the casino floor.
• Signs and floor guides will encourage six-foot physical distancing throughout MGM Resorts properties. Plexiglass barriers will be installed in casinos and lobbies.
• Enhanced routine cleaning based on CDC guidelines, implemented before resorts closed in March, will continue. Electrostatic sprayers to apply disinfectant more efficiently will be used in larger areas. Hand-washing stations with soap and water, along with hand-sanitizing stations, will be readily available in high-traffic areas.
• Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems will be evaluated to enhance their effectiveness.
• If a guest or employee tests positive for the virus, MGM Resorts will ensure access to medical treatment, sanitize exposed areas and when possible notify those who may have come in close contact with the infected individual.
• Guests will have the ability to check in through MGM Resorts' mobile app, including processing payments, verifying identification and obtaining a digital room key. Digital menus will be available to view on personal mobile devices via QRcode.
In his NBC interview, Hornbuckle talked of "three buckets" of tourists who will eventually be comimg to Las Vegas.
"There's those who will come immediately, irrespective of the health concerns. There's a bucket of people that we need to convince that it's safe and it's still a fun and encouraging and engaging environment. And there's a third bucket of folks who I think will wait and see how this thing plays out and ultimately come and enjoy Las Vegas, probably next year.
"So it will be different, but we still think it will be meaningful, we still think people can come enjoy pools, resorts, fine dining, but we think we can do it in a safe manner," Hornbuckle said.