2020-09-21

Exposure Locations Data Point to Strip Casino Properties

Analyzes of the Southern Nevada disease investigation for June, July and August highlighted casino-type facilities as key areas with probable susceptibility to COVID-19, with one specific name most frequently topping the lists, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

The Cosmopolitan who ranked first in five separate analyzes, one of which was done in July and the others in August, was not the only strip casino that was put next to the top. Also among the top ranked locations with exposure to the virus were the Venetian, Bellagio, MGM Grand and Caesars Palace, drawing conclusions that casinos were significantly higher than other forms of companies.

The details was published after a Review-Journal inquiry after news that The Cosmopolitan staff felt insecure due to the the number of casino floor workers testing positive for the virus, which prompted an official response from the venue.

"We have adopted and applied a robust collection of health and safety policies and procedures since reopening in june, all of which follow or exceed the directives of local health and regulatory authorities. As we continue to maneuver through this extraordinary time together with our industry and region, we continue to change our procedures and ensure that we are in line with the current information and advice from medical and safety practitioners."

Official announcement, the cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

The official data point to Strip casino-hotels, the largest share of Nevada's largest metropolitan collection. The Clark County Detention Center was the only other site to reach top ranks. The second tier category of companies was listed as the different, relating to firms that do not comply with the other groups. Third place was a wide category for food businesses, including restaurants and grocery stores.The data reported are, of course, focused on voluntary self-reporting by individuals who tested positive.

Strip facilities deliberately transmitting the virus to other states. States health authorities clarified that the number of locations does not actually mean that these are the places people contracted the virus, but the statement sheds light on the role Nevada casino and hospitality firms play in the epidemic of the state. A non-profit newsroom, ProPublica, analyzed mobile location data in August and visualized it on a map to demonstrate how the virus travels from Nevada casinos into other states.

Another problem to view the data accurately is the incoherence of approach for casino operators on checking their workers. For example, Wynn Resorts routinely checks a variety of employees, while others, including MGM Resorts international, evaluate all workers who are new or returning to work but don't require testing on any employees. The Cosmopolitan said they submit promptly for monitoring those with flu-like symptoms, and any potentially infected are forced to quarantine themselves before a negative outcome is verified.

The data released raises concerns about the reopening policy of the state, particularly in the light of Governor Steve Sisolak's announcement this week that bars and taverns are permitted throughout the state.