MGM Resorts closes clubs to combat spread of coronavirus

LAS VEGAS — Nevada casino operators are announcing more measures to combat the spread of the new coronavirus, with MGM Resorts International announcing that it was immediately closing all nightclubs and dayclubs at its properties.

MGM Resorts announced the move in a tweet Friday, less than 24 hours after Gov. Steve Sisolak declared a state of emergency and hinted that he may consider banning mass gatherings, as other governors have done.

The casino clubs, which became a big draw for many tourists over a decade ago, included packed parties on nightclub dance floors into early hours of the morning and dayclubs and beach clubs drawing visitors to hotel pool parties with DJs, drinks and more.

The goal of all authorities is to slow the virus’ spread to avoid overwhelming hospitals with those sickened by an illness that no one in the world has immunity to. Worldwide, 137,000 people have been infected and more than 5,000 have died, but half of those who had the virus have already recovered.

Most patients have mild or moderate symptoms such as a fever or cold, but severe symptoms including pneumonia can occur, especially in the elderly and people with existing health problems.

MGM Resorts earlier this week became the first casino operator to announce it was temporarily closing its buffets. Wynn Resorts announced Thursday it too was closing its all-you-can-eat buffets, along with any other large entertainment gatherings such as nightclubs and theatre shows.

Wynn Resorts, which operates the Wynn and Encore resorts on the Las Vegas Strip, announced it was in the process of setting up thermal cameras at all entrances to its buildings to screen for anyone running a fever.

The company said in a statement that its “non-invasive”thermal cameras would allow it to flag any resort guests or staff members registering a a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees celsius) or higher. Those people will be “discretely informed” by security guards and will not be allowed to remain in the property, according to Wynn Resorts.

The governor said Thursday night that he formed a task force that would provide him recommendations on social distances and whether to ban gatherings above a certain size.

But in lieu of any statewide rule, local governments stepped in and issued their own restrictions.

Clark County announced it was cancelling all events put on by its is Parks and Recreation Department that were expected to be attended by more than 250 people. The city of North Las Vegas announced a similar move, cancelling all large, city-run events. Near Reno, the Washoe County Health District said it supports the cancellation of large public events but it has not ordered any cancellations.