It's a new era, and hopefully, a safer one. Here in Las Vegas a myriad of changes have occurred, all intended to keep visitors and employees healthy. Guidelines issued by the Nevada Gaming Commission have been implemented, with everything from casinos to guest rooms covered, so you can expect to see similar protocols throughout Las Vegas. All casinos opening in Las Vegas were required to submit their plan for reopening to the commission. Here’s what you can expect to see, and what’s been done to make your experience safer.
In the lobby
You may notice some guests (including yourself) headed straight to the elevators. That’s because contactless check-in is no longer a thing of the future. At MGM Resorts International properties, check in on your phone when you get close to the resort, and you’ll be able to pay and get a digital key. You can also check in with a contactless option on a kiosk and a more traditional front-desk option. Caesars Entertainment has rearranged front-desk areas and lines to accommodate social distancing, and provides hand sanitizer. Some hotels also have plexiglass installed at the front desk.
Throughout the hotel
Hand sanitizer, everywhere! Every hotel that reopens is required to have stations for hand sanitizing throughout. MGM Resorts’ properties even offer new handwashing stations. You’ll notice that many employees are masked, and if their job requires it, gloved. This goes for the those employees you see and those who labor behind the scenes, in restaurants, loading docks and other areas. Those employees undergo a health self-screening daily and most are also screened for temperature.
When you ride elevators and escalators
There may be a line, as guests are being asked to maintain adequate spacing between groups and to try to ride with their own party, or ride with fewer people. Employees often clean and sanitize the buttons and commonly touched areas inside the cars, and clean escalator rails.
In your room
Feel good in knowing your room has been thoroughly sanitized. Surfaces have been wiped down; and linens and towels completely changed out. You’ll probably find extra towels in your room, and can always request more if needed. You may not find little bottles of amenities but amenities are still available. Housekeeping and other guest services may not be entering your room unless requested, and at some hotels, won’t be entering during your stay.
When you go shopping
Many venues have plexiglass at payment stations, and marks to encourage social distancing while waiting. In addition, fewer patrons may be allowed in at one time.
Playing in the casino
OK! It’s time to release a little tension, and maybe win a few bucks. Go grab some cash, and head to the floor. While you’re here, you’ll see a variety of measures being taken to increase social distancing, such as slot machines not being available right next to each other, congregating behind each other not allowed, a limited number of players at the tables and plexiglass partitions between dealers and players. You may be asked to step away from the game if you need to smoke. Casinos are required to have a plan to disinfect all the items needed to play, such as chips, cards, balls and dice.
When you go to the pool
There is a limit to the number of people allowed in the area and there is space between each party to encourage social distancing. Each area is sanitized between each party.
When you have dinner and drinks
Most restaurants require reservations, although not all. Many will text or call when your table is ready, saving you the hassle of waiting in line. You’re encouraged to wear your face mask until you reach your table. It may feel much more intimate, as tables have 6 feet between them and the number of customers is fewer. Menus may be digital or one-time use paper menus. At some restaurants, permanent menus are sanitized between each use. Condiments won’t simply be stored on the table, and are sanitized between customers. Bars will also be spacing patrons’ parties 6 feet apart.
When you enter an attraction
Although the number of attractions in Vegas isn’t as high as a few months ago, sanitation is still high on those that are open, and social distancing is easily seen. For instance, on New York-New York’s Roller Coaster, cars are loaded with the same party, and alternate cars will be empty.
When you depart
One of the best ways is to check-out on the TV in your room, and hotels have been using this option for many years now. Look at your bill, OK it if all is correct, and get a copy emailed to you. If you have a physical key, most hotels will allow you to leave it in the room. Some hotels have check-out kiosks that are sanitized often.
Pandemic etiquette
While you’re here in Las Vegas, there are several things you can do to help keep yourself well and decrease the chances of you or someone else getting sick.
• Give yourself a self-check before you arrive. Do you have a fever? A cough? Is your sense of smell normal?
• Wear your mask in public areas, including the casino. It helps stem the spread of potentially deadly viruses like COVID-19. It’s also considerate of fellow guests and resort workers.
• You’ll notice hand sanitizer stations in multiple locations. Give yourself a squirt before and after playing slots or the tables, and anywhere it seems you might need it (after touching elevator buttons, holding escalator rails or getting money from the ATM).
• If you start to feel sick, get it checked out. Many hotels have medical professionals onsite or can get you medical help quickly.
• Practice social distancing. Stay 6 feet from people other than your travel companions whenever possible. Common places that lines form will often be marked, making this easy. Be patient—even though you are 6 feet apart, you’ll still be moving.
• Try not to touch your face. Periodically, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, then rinse for 10 seconds. You may receive personal size bottles of hand sanitizer in your room. Take those with you and use whenever it’s not practical to wash, or a hand sanitizer station isn’t close.
