MGM Las Vegas To Reopen With Temperature Checks, Plexiglass Shields, and Digital Room Keys

The impending reopening of Las Vegas casinos is bittersweet. On one hand, the re-illumination of the iconic Strip is a hopeful sign that things are getting back to normal. On the other, it inspires worry and skepticism over whether such openings can be done safely. MGM Resorts International, which has several hotels and casinos in Vegas, has just released its reopening plan designed to keep both guests and employees safe.

The seven-phase plan includes temperature checks, health screenings, and training for employees; mandatory face masks and personal protective equipment for hotel and casino workers; heightened hand-washing and sanitizing; and six-foot physical distancing wherever possible, with floor markers serving as guides. Where distancing proves impossible, other mitigation methods will be used, like plexiglass barriers. Improved heating, air conditioning, and ventilation will also be implemented to improve air quality.

Contactless check-ins, payments, and room keys will be implemented to limit contact between guests and employees and the possible spread of the virus via surface touching.

In the event that a staff member or guest does test positive for the virus, new incident response protocols will be in place to ensure infected individuals have access to medical treatment and those who have come in contact with them can be traced.

In a statement to Fox 5, MGM CEO Bill Hornbuckle said the safety plan is the “result of months of consultations with public health experts and outlines our comprehensive approach to welcoming guests back safely. Our properties will not look the way they used to for a while, and that’s not only okay, it’s critically important.”

An exact opening date for Las Vegas hotels has not yet been set, but Hornbuckle told The Today Show that he’s keeping his fingers crossed for early June.