MGM Resorts International is planning to reopen four of its Las Vegas hotels after shuttering all of its U.S. properties in mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Bellagio, New York-New York, MGM Grand Las Vegas and The Signature all will reopen on June 4 with limited amenities. As demand for the destination builds, additional venues within these resorts will open and other MGM Resorts properties on The Strip will reopen.
“Our hearts go out to everyone in the communities where we operate, and around the world, who has been personally impacted during this time of crisis,” said Bill Hornbuckle, MGM Resorts’ acting CEO/president. “As we plan for these openings, the health and safety of our guests and employees is at the forefront of all we do.”
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Earlier this month, MGM Resorts released its “Seven-Point Safety Plan,” a set of protocols and procedures designed in conjunction with medical and scientific experts to mitigate the spread of the virus, protect customers and employees and respond to potential new cases.
Among the key initiatives are:
- Employee screening, temperature checks and COVID-19 specific training
- COVID-19 testing offered for employees as they return to work in partnership with the local medical community
- Employees will be required to wear masks; Guests are strongly encouraged to wear masks, and in some settings where physical distancing is more difficult and/or barriers do not exist, will be required to do so. Examples of where masks will be required include salons, certain table games where physical barriers are not in place and elevators, if riding with guests outside of their travel group. Masks will be provided, free of charge
- A physical distancing policy will be implemented, with floor guides serving as reminders
- For areas where physical distancing presents challenges, plexiglass barriers will be installed, or other measures will be used to reduce risks
- Standalone handwashing stations designed by MGM Resorts on casino floors
- Contactless Check-In through the MGM Resorts App will allow hotel guests to go through the check-in process on their personal devices, minimizing interactions
- Guestroom Attendants will wear masks and gloves while cleaning each room and will change gloves between guestrooms
- In addition to increased and enhanced routine cleaning of guestrooms and public spaces based on CDC guidance, electrostatic sprayers will be utilized in many large public spaces so that disinfectant is applied efficiently
- Digital menus will be available to view on personal mobile devices via QR codes in the company’s food and beverage outlets
- To minimize groups congregating while they wait, restaurant guests will receive text message notification when their tables are ready
- Complimentary self-parking will be available for guests; valet parking will not be operational at this time.
- MGM has compiled its own internal team and processes to respond if a guest or employee tests positive for COVID-19. If a guest tests positive after visiting one of the properties, they can alert the team through a special email address. MGM will immediately report any positive test results to the local health department and assist with contact tracing to support the health department investigators.
At the same time, Caesars Entertainment Corporation will resume gaming and hospitality operations in Las Vegas at its Caesars Palace and Flamingo Las Vegas properties, also on June 4. The company also expects to reopen several retail and dining outlets along The Linq Promenade, as well as the High Roller Observation Wheel.
The properties will implement the company's enhanced health and safety protocols as they reopen guestrooms, restaurants, pools, slot machines and table games, all in a manner consistent with physical distancing guidelines. The company also will suspend fees for paid self-parking in Las Vegas.