MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment have introduced a mandatory mask requirement at all properties across each operator’s US network.
The latter has announced that everyone indoors at its properties will be required to wear masks at all times, except when eating or drinking. The updated policy became effective yesterday and applies to all employees, vendors, contractors, guests and passersby in properties. Previously, all employees plus guests at table games were required to wear masks at Caesars properties.
Furthermore, Caesars will also continue to implement enhanced health and safety requirements in its revised operating plans. The company will take steps to ensure that everyone inside its properties wears a mask, with anyone refusing, after being asked, to be directed to leave.
The universal mask requirement will apply to all of Caesars businesses currently open in Louisiana, Mississippi, Iowa, Missouri, Nevada, and Indiana, as well as tribal properties in Arizona, California and North Carolina.
The requirement will also apply to additional Caesars properties as they reopen in Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Illinois and Ontario. Caesars is aiming to continue reopening properties in line with regulatory approvals and customer demand.
“We promised that Caesars would continue to evaluate the latest recommendations, directives and medical science regarding the COVID-19 public health emergency and modify our enhanced health and safety protocols accordingly,” said Tony Rodio, CEO of Caesars Entertainment.
“As a result, we are immediately requiring everyone in our properties to wear masks, because the scientific evidence strongly suggests that wearing masks and practicing social distancing may be the most important deterrents to spreading COVID-19 from person to person,” he added.
MGM has also announced a nationwide mask policy that will be applicable to all guests and visitors inside public spaces at every MGM Resorts property in the United States. The company previously required all employees to wear masks, while guest and visitor mask requirements were based on local regulations
The company said in a statement: “As part of our work to continually update and evolve our health and safety policies, we are now requiring masks for all guests and visitors inside public spaces. This will apply to all MGM Resorts properties across the United States and will become effective by Friday.
“If a guest is in need of a mask, we will provide one. We hope that our guests will do their part to help the collective efforts to curtail the spread of the virus. Guests who do not wish to comply will be asked to leave the property.
It is clear that the coronavirus still presents a significant public health threat, and masks have proven to be one of the best ways to curtail the spread. We want guests and employees to feel comfortable that we are putting their health and safety first.”
