MGM Resorts International is a little late to the party in Las Vegas. The operator has decided to reopen the Aria and Mandalay Bay casinos today, some five weeks after the state gave the go-ahead for casinos to open back up. The operator decided to delay the opening of these properties to see the demand. With the fourth of July weekend coming up, it is expected that there will be an increase in traffic in the gambling city.
Aria and Mandalay Bay Back At It
The Aria reopened at 10 am today while the Mandalay Bay reopened one hour later at 11 am. The two now join the Luxor, the Bellagio, MGM Grand and New York-New York, all casinos owned by MGM that are operating now after being shut down since March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Governor Steve Sisolak announced casinos could reopen by June 4 back in May and operators worked quickly to be prepared to do so. MGM had to decide which properties to open first, with Mandalay Bay and Aria making the lower end of the list.
As the casino opens these two properties, they do so just a few days after announcing a nationwide mask policy. Acting in the same manner as Caesars Entertainment, MGM will make sure that anyone inside their casino properties in the US are wearing a face mask.
Sisolak actually mandated face coverings for everyone in the state when in a public space. The coronavirus is still a public health issue so the state as well as operators want to be able to remain open and hope that guests will adhere to the protocols.
MGM has health and safety protocols established to help guests and employees stay safe. With the openings this week, the protocols have been instituted in the Aria and Mandalay Bay. Such measures include screenings and temperature checks for employees along with plexiglass barriers in high risk areas. Floor guides have also been installed to promote social distancing.
What’s Open?
At the Aria, guests will find that restaurant and bar options are available including Catch, Burger Lounge, Bardo Brasserie, Javier’s Carbone and Alibi. The pool and spa, along with the salon will reopen, but with limited hours.
For Mandalay Bay, the casino will offer limited amenities as well. Restaurants and bars that will reopen are Hazel, Citizens, Rhythm & Riffs and Stripsteak. The House of Blues will serve food and drinks plus offer live music. Last week, the property reopened a few shops in the shoppes at Mandalay Place. The popular Shark Reef Aquarium is also supposed to open.
Businesses around the United States are reopening as the coronavirus remains an issue. The entire nation is trying to figure out how to deal with the virus, as the number of positive cases continue to rise. Many consumers are not following the protocol recommendations of wearing a face mask and social distancing. Because of this, many business owners fear they will be forced to close in the future.
We shall see over the coming weeks if the number of Covid-19 cases decrease or at least even out. If there is a surge as casinos and other businesses get back to work, we may see yet another shut down, which is what everyone is hoping to avoid.
