LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The world-famous Las Vegas Strip is battening down the hatches to fight the spread of the coronavirus by suspending most buffets, large gatherings, and increasing cleaning efforts to keep guests and customers safe.
"In terms of public relations and in terms of the way the world will look at Las Vegas, I think it's very good," said Anthony Curtis, publisher of Lasvegasadvisor.com
Curtis says it is not surprised by Wynn Resorts announcement that the properties in Las Vegas are using thermal cameras to screen people at all entrances for a temperature - one of the key symptoms of coronavirus, also called COVID-19.
RELATED: Wynn Resorts to close buffets, nightclubs and theaters amid coronavirus concerns
"It is something I would expect from Wynn," said Curtis.
"Wynn is very good at customer relations, and they are very good at following protocol of what's going on, and the world is judging how people are reacting right now," added Curtis.
MGM and Caesars properties announced the suspension of buffets at several strip properties to curb coronavirus concerns and possible disease spread.
RELATED: MGM Resorts to temporarily close its Las Vegas buffets
Las Vegas sportsbooks are also feeling the effects of the coronavirus response.
"I think the final blow to us was when the NCAA basketball tournament was canceled," said Jay Kornegay, vice president of race and sports operations at the Superbook Westgate.
"Of course that's one of our biggest events of the year, if not the biggest," added Kornegay.
He says wagers made on NCAA March Madness have been refunded.
"It is very difficult to quantify financially what this means to us," said Kornegay.
"It's such a rippling effect, this event is so big for this town, it's not just about the sportsbooks, it's also about the restaurants, the cabdrivers the hotels it affects this whole city," said Kornegay.
NBA and NHL have suspended their games until further notice.
RELATED: NBA's season suspended after player tested positive for coronavirus
NASCAR will hold a race this weekend, but fans are prohibited from attending in person.
