Crackdown in Vegas

Perhaps Las Vegas will not be the latest vector of Covid-19 after all. Having taken a wait-and-see attitude toward safety protocols during the shutdown, Caesars Entertainment was first out of the gate in cracking down on mask scofflaws. The company has ordered all visitors (and employees) to wear masks from now on. If you’re asked to put a mask on and refuse, you’ll be welcome to find yourself out on Las Vegas Boulevard. Said CEO Anthony Rodio, “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. 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.” Previously, Caesars had been rewarding mask-wearing customers with $20 bills. Presumably that largesse will no longer be necessary.

Caesars beat Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) to the punch, as a masks-required edict came down from Carson City. Quick to pledge its fealty was MGM Resorts International, whose CEO, Bill Hornbuckle, said “Given the public health situation and the reports of new cases, we support the Governor’s decision to require masks in public places and will begin to enforce according to his guidelines.” It will also 86 non-compliant customers.