MGM Resorts has unveiled a seven-point strategy that will allow its land-based outlets to reopen safely.
The operator temporarily closed all of its venues in mid-March, in a bid to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Its new measures will apply to both staff and guests, and will aim to mitigate the risk of infection rates increasing.
MGM has also outlined ways that it will deal with coronavirus cases, should these arise on their premises.
The seven-step reopening plan
The operator’s first point-of-action will be committing to a widespread screening program. As part of this, employees will be checked for signs of COVID-19 before they’re allowed to enter the building. Similar procedures will also be introduced for guests.
All MGM staff will also have to wear face masks while at work. For those working in areas such as food, extra personal protection equipment (PPE) will be provided. Guests will be encouraged to both wear face masks and limit how long they’re removed for when drinking on the casino floor. Eating on the casino floor will not be allowed.
Social distancing measures will also be imposed on MGM’s premises. Where possible, guests must stay six feet apart from one another. There will be floor markers and other signage to enforce this, in addition to glass barriers throughout both casinos and lobbies.
The more rigorous cleaning routine that was adopted pre-lockdown will continue. Electrostatic players will be deployed for larger areas, with custom-built stations for both washing and sanitizing hands made available in busy parts of the building.
Based on the latest science-backed information, heating and air conditioning will also be regulated to try and stop bacteria from having a chance to transmit itself to other individuals.
Should somebody test positive for the virus, the operator will make sure that they can receive medical treatment. All exposed areas will be sanitized in such a case, with people who came in close contact with that individual also being informed where possible.
Technology will also play a bigger role when venues reopen. Digital keys can be obtained to get into rooms, while there will also be digital menus and virtual queues. Guests will also have the ability to check in via mobile.
“Our properties will not look the way they used to for a while”
In addition to the above-mentioned points, all of MGM’s hotels will be opened at 25% of their usual capacity.
MGM Resorts Acting Chief Executive and President Bill Hornbuckle emphasised the importance for extra safety measures upon reopening. He had the following to say.
“Preparing for the moment we can re-open our doors, MGM Resorts focused on developing a plan that puts health and safety at the centre of everything we do.
“We will continue providing the hospitality experiences we are known for, but we must do so safely.
“We will continue working with experts and following guidance from the World Health Organization, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and government officials and regulators as we evolve these protocols based on the latest information.”
Hornbuckle also mentioned that the safety plan was devised after “months of consultations with public health experts”.
MGM’s Q1 revenue drops; property sales rise
Earlier this month, MGM reported a 29.1% decrease in revenue for the first quarter of 2020. This was partially due to the impact of COVID-19, with total earnings reaching $2.25 billion.
Casino brought in $1.05 billion on its own, but this figure was 35.4% lower than in Q1 2019. Meanwhile, revenue from rooms dropped by 24.6% to $434 million.
Despite this, property sales went up after it decided to sell both MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay. Offloading both of these venues generated $1.49 billion.