post-pandemic 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

By Las Vegas Magazine Staff Illustrations By Brooke Everson

restrictions was being considered for May 1. 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.

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 option on a kiosk and a more traditional front-desk option. Caesars Entertainment has rearranged front-desk areas and lines to accommodate social distancing, and provides hand sanitizer.

Hand sanitizer, everywhere! Every hotel is required to have stations for hand sanitizing throughout. MGM Resorts’ properties even offer new 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. 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 social distancing. In addition, rigorous cleaning protocols will be implemented.

What a difference a year makes! In 2020, there was no attendance allowed at sporting events in Las Vegas once the shutdown was announced. Now, not only are your favorite teams back, you can buy tickets! And popcorn! And beer!

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.

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 slot machines not being available right next to each other, or plexiglass partitions being used, congregating behind each other not allowed,and plexiglass partitions between dealers and players. Restrictions were set to ease May 1.

Shows will vary. 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 offered 180 seats per show. And everyone is required to wear a mask, audience members and performers included.

Most restaurants require reservations, but not all. Many will text or call when your table is ready. You’re required to wear your face mask until you reach your table. It may feel much more intimate, as tables have space between them. At some restaurants, permanent menus are sanitized between each use. Condiments won’t simply be stored on the table, and are sanitized between customers.

Although attractions in Vegas have really rebounded, sanitation is high. Social distancing is still evident, with seemingly omnipresent markers. Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens has a one-way flow. On New York-New York’s Roller Coaster, cars are loaded with the same party.

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

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

Feel good in knowing your

room has been thoroughly san-

itized. 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 countrywide, 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 commonly touched areas inside the cars.

When in lines, practice social

distancing. Leave room between you and people other than your travel companions whenever possible. Be patient—even though you are separated, 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.