MGM Resorts International CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle has a message for Las Vegas-based employees: get vaccinated or pay a fee for regular COVID testing.
In a July 28 letter to MGM employees, Hornbuckle, citing a mandate issued by Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak, said MGM Resorts is making masks mandatory in all indoor areas for all guests and visitors at its Las Vegas properties.
Unvaccinated employees already undergoing regular COVID-19 testing will be required to pay a $15 co-pay for onsite testing or obtain and produce a PCR test before coming to work.
“We have the tools to end this once and for all,” Hornbuckle wrote. “But those tools are only effective if we all do our part to make use of them. Please, be part of the solution and get vaccinated as soon as possible.”
MGM employees who test positive or have had close contact with someone who tests positive will be notified and required to quarantine. Those not fully vaccinated will not be paid for time off during quarantine.
According to the Southern Nevada Health District, which includes Las Vegas and Clark County, 2.13 million doses have been administered in the county as of July 28. The number of people fully vaccinated in Clark County is 1.16 million in a vaccine eligible population of 1.83 million.
“Our region’s low vaccination rate is putting us back on the path to overrun hospitals, unnecessary deaths, fewer tourists, and possible furloughs and layoffs,” Hornbuckle wrote. “None of us want that. After the pain endured by so many these past 16 months – and the tremendous progress made in 2021 – I can think of no more damaging scenario for us as a community.”
To make it easier for employees to get vaccinated, MGM has been regularly conducting pop-up vaccine clinics at all of its Las Vegas properties. The gaming operator also has partnered with the state of Nevada to hold Viva Vax Vegas clinics, featuring prizes and live entertainment, for visitors and residents.
Hornbuckle wrote that the new mask mandate “is a disheartening step backward when we should be focused on continuing our recovery,” and that more restrictive measures such as social distancing and capacity restrictions are possible if no measures are taken.
But he also remains optimistic that Las Vegas residents and MGM employees will respond to the latest challenge.
“I know that Las Vegas is a caring community and that, when things get tough, we’re capable of stepping up to meet the moment,” Hornbuckle wrote. “We are in such a moment!”
