2 Flamingo employees test positive for COVID-19
Two employees at the Flamingo have tested positive for COVID-19, 15 days after the hotel-casino first reopened.
Contact tracing protocols have been implemented, according to Caesars Entertainment Corp. spokesman Richard Broome. He declined to provide additional comments, including where the employees worked or when they tested positive.
In general, when the company learns an employee or guest has tested positive, Broome said “we use surveillance and investigators” to determine who, if anyone, has been in “close proximity” (6 feet or closer for at least 10 minutes) with the infected individual.
“Anyone who meets that criteria is told and will be required to be away from work for two weeks (paid) and may return after supplying confirmation of a negative test for COVID-19,” he said via emial.
The Strip property isn’t the first to see an employee test positive since Las Vegas casinos were allowed to reopen June 4.
On Wednesday, MGM Resorts International said it would close the Mayfair Supper Club restaurant in Bellagio after a kitchen worker tested positive that evening. It’s unclear when the venue will reopen.
Both Bellagio and the Flamingo reopened the morning of June 4.
Some Las Vegas casino workers have expressed concern for their health upon returning to work, as various tourists have been shown to avoid social distancing or wearing masks. While masks are not required in Nevada hotel-casinos, except at table games, Gov. Steve Sisolak said Friday that he is considering an enhanced mask policy.
Health experts told the Review-Journal they expect to see more cases of COVID-19 emerge among casino employees over time, since such a large portion of the local workforce works in hospitality.
Las Vegas and Clark County had more than 166,000 people employed in the leisure and hospitality industry in April, according to data from UNLV’s Center for Business and Economic Research.
Contact Bailey Schulz at bschulz@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0233. Follow @bailey_schulz on Twitter.
