Las Vegas gaming industry rolls-out employee testing partnership

As various jurisdictions across the United States begin to execute reopening strategies, or eye a return to what will become a temporary new normal, the Las Vegas gaming industry has rolled-out plans to offer COVID-19 testing to employees prior to a return to work.

In a broad collaborative plan created by business and community leaders, coronavirus testing is set to be conducted at the Las Vegas Convention Center as properties reopen following the direction of State officials.

The action plan sees Las Vegas gaming and resort properties partner with University Medical Center, the Culinary Health Fund and the Las Vegas Convention Center to provide the aforementioned testing for players.

“The ability to safely reopen our properties has been our singular focus over the past several weeks,” stated Bill Hornbuckle, acting CEO and president of MGM Resorts International

“This testing partnership will allow us to provide our employees and guests peace of mind that we are taking the greatest possible precautions to keep them safe.”

In addition to MGM properties, Caesars Entertainment and Boyd Gaming will participate in the programme, with the UMC and the Culinary Health Fund working together to collect up to 4,000 samples per day for testing.

UMC CEO Mason VanHouweling noted his facility has significantly increased its testing capacity as a result of the efforts of the Governor’s COVID-19 Response, Relief and Recovery Task Force, led by longtime gaming industry leader Jim Murren.

“In response to this unprecedented public health crisis, we have seen an unparalleled level of collaboration between private industry, community leaders and the health care community,” said VanHouweling. 

“As a result of the hard work and dedication of our health care professionals on the front lines of this crisis, UMC now has the capacity to run 10,000 COVID-19 tests per day. 

“With valuable support from our community partners, this increased testing capacity allows UMC to detect new cases of COVID-19 and safeguard the health of our friends, neighbours and family members across Southern Nevada.”

Testing is expected to begin May 21 and will continue as employees are called back to work, with appointments having to be scheduled prior to the return and results confirmed within 48 hours. Positive results will be provided to the employee and forwarded to the Southern Nevada Health District for contact tracing.

“Caesars appreciates the gaming industry and union partnership with UMC to test  our employees for COVID-19,” added Tony Rodio, CEO of Caesars Entertainment

“All Caesars employees would complete a pre-screening questionnaire and the results would determine the need for a COVID-19 test before returning  to work.”