Wynn Resorts CEO Matt Maddox says Nevada should reopen the economy in early May and the Las Vegas strip in mid-May.
"I understand that if we incrementally reopen, we might have to pull back if a spike in cases occurs that jeopardizes our healthcare system capacity," Maddox said in a Sunday op-ed in the Nevada Independent, a news website. "However, the only way to cross this river is one stone at a time, and we need to put our feet in the water before it is too late."
Nearly 650,000 casino employees are out of work because of the coronavirus pandemic, according to the American Gaming Association, including all Wynn Resorts properties.
Maddox was the first to close casino doors in Las Vegas, even before Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak ordered them shut for 30 days.
Still, Wynn Resorts continued to pay its full and part-time employees through May 15, which is costing about $3 million a day, Maddox said.
"Our economy is in a free fall," Maddox said. "Nevada will likely be one of the hardest hit states in the nation and suffer very high unemployment. It is imperative to flatten this curve so we can re-emerge in a safe, sustainable way."
Wynn has unveiled a plan for keeping its venues clean, including checking the temperature of all employees and guests and require them to wear provided masks.
Solange Reyner ✉
Solange Reyner is a writer and editor for Newsmax. She has more than 15 years in the journalism industry reporting and covering news, sports and politics.
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