POSTPANDEMIC GUIDE

Protecting yourself, fellow tourists and the staff

In March, Nevada’s allowable capacity for large gatherings increased, subject to organizers submitting preparedness and safety plans. The baseline for gatherings and events remains at 250 people or 50 percent, whichever is less. As of press time, lifting capacity restrictions was being considered. And many of you visiting Las Vegas this week are no doubt wondering: What does that mean for me? We’ve compiled a guide for what your post-pandemic Las Vegas experience will look like.

By Las Vegas Magazine Staff

Illustrations By Brooke Everson

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 kiosk options and in a more traditional front-desk option. Caesars Entertainment has rearranged front-desk areas to accommodate current social distancing requirements, and provides hand sanitizer. Some hotels also have plexiglass installed at the front desk.

Hand sanitizer, everywhere! Every hotel is required to have stations for hand sanitizing throughout. MGM Resorts’ properties even offer handwashing stations. You’ll notice that employees are masked and, if their job requires it, gloved. This goes for 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.

Pools are open again, but operations are significantly different from before, and some capacity restrictions will be enforced. For example, at Wet Republic at MGM Grand and Liquid at Aria, reservations will be required for all hotel and nonhotel guests, and VIP sections will be separated to allow for currently required social distancing. In addition, rigorous cleaning protocols will be implemented.

What a difference a year makes! In 2020, there was little, if any, attendance allowed at sporting events across the country (and none whatsoever in Las Vegas sports venues once the shutdown of the Strip was announced). Now, not only are your favorite teams back, you can buy tickets! And popcorn! And beer! For example, the Vegas Golden Knights can now allow up to 9,000 fans at T-Mobile Arena, and that number may soon increase. Just make sure to be proactive in buying your ticket—demand is bound to be very high!

Experiences will vary depending on venue, but every effort is made to make the experience as safe as possible. For example, at Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort, you can now access a digital store directory on your phone. There’s also a digital coupon book with nearly 50 offers, which you can access by going to miraclemileshopslv.com. Another digital assist is available from Jules, the retail center’s chatbot, and she can be reached via text message, Facebook Messenger or the retail center’s website. And finally, QR codes make dining easy, as you can see the entire menu on your phone.

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 some slot machines not being available right next to each other, congregating behind each other not allowed, plexiglass partitions between some machines and plexiglass partitions between dealers and players. You will still be required to wear your mask. Casinos are required to have a plan to disinfect all the items needed to play, such as chips, cards, balls and dice.

The show experience will differ widely, depending on the venue. For example, Absinthe at Caesars Palace, which is performed in a tent, is currently not in the round. Rather, the audience faces one side of the theater, with the action taking place across from them. It has a 660-seat capacity, but as of press time offers 180 seats per show. And, of course, everyone is required to wear a mask, audience members and performers included. Temperature checks are still mandatory before entering, and the venue is sanitized before and after every performance. You can learn more about every show by calling the box office.

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 required to wear your face mask until you reach your table. It may feel different, as tables have space between them to adhere to current social distancing regulations. 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 apart to respect current social distancing guidelines.

Although attractions in Vegas have really rebounded, sanitation is high. Social distancing is evident, with seemingly omnipresent markers denoting a safe distance, like Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. And on New York-New York’s Roller Coaster, cars are loaded with those from same party.

Nightclubs have returned, but operations have significantly changed. For example, at Omnia at Caesars Palace and Hakkasan at MGM Grand, touchless menus are the norm via scannable QR codes, and the venues are operated as lounges, with social distancing and mask-wearing enforced. Dance floors will be closed for now.

Las Vegas is getting closer and closer to full operation, but your safety is still the top priority. Here are a few more things you should know about efforts to make you as safe as possible.

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.

You must still wear your mask

in public areas, including the casino. While the vaccine rollout has been successful so far, precautions must still be taken. It’s also considerate of fellow guests and resort workers.

When you ride elevators and

escalators, there may be a line, as guests are being asked to maintain adequate spacing between groups and 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.

When in lines, practice social

distancing. Stay 6 feet from people other than your travel companions whenever possible. Be patient—even though you are 6 feet apart, you’ll still be moving.

When you depart, one of the best ways is to

check-out on the

TV in your room. Some hotels have check-out kiosks that are sanitized often.