LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — With hands sanitized and temperature checked, Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak stepped foot inside a Strip casino for the first time in months.
"Las Vegas is open. It's a great place to come and have a good time. We look forward to welcoming everybody back," Gov. Sisolaksaid, 79 days after ordering the shutdown of all gaming operations in the state.
The governor joined Chairwoman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board Sandra Morgan and Wynn executives to show what's new on the casino floor.
"You see things like plexiglass and signage all over, obviously all employees wearing masks. I'm very encouraged here to see a lot of the guests wearing masks as well," said Morgan.
Although there are no official numbers, Sisolak said he's hearing from resort executives that reservations are running well, both for this weekend and future bookings.
Sights and sounds around Las Vegas as casinos reopen
"We didn't expect to see people crushing in the door. We saw some of that downtown at 12:01 a.m., but you know. What they've done here is a very responsible way to open up," Sisolak said.
Even with new health protocols in place, resort casinos can only do so much.
And when Sisolak was asked whether he was concerned about tourists coming in from all over the country - from areas that may not have the steady downward slope of COVID-19 cases as our state does - he says he's not and it's good to see locals, tourists, and employees back.
"Even though they're all wearing masks, you can tell they're smiling, and I appreciate that," said Sisolak.
The governor says it may be a steady, long road back for Vegas, but Friday was reason to smile.
