May 18

May 18 MGM Resorts Develops Re-Opening Health and Safety Plan

“Seven-Point Safety Plan” for Re-Opening Revealed by MGM Resorts International

Maryland has entered Phase 1 of the Governor’s reopening plan but the county will maintain Stay At Home orders and will not be re-opening businesses just yet. The company has released plans for the phased reopening of its own.

Other news from MGM National Harbor includes the exit of Johnson as president/COO. Johnson will move to another MGM property the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, NJ. Johnson will be replaced by Jorge Perez who will be the new president at MGM National Harbor.

MGM Resorts International released a report outlining the comprehensive health and safety protocols the company is implementing in order to re-open its domestic properties and resorts which were temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The report offers a “Seven-Point Safety Plan” to deter the spread of the virus, protect customers and employees, and rapidly respond to potential new cases.

“Preparing for the moment we can re-open our doors, MGM Resorts focused on developing a plan that puts health and safety at the center of everything we do. Our ‘Seven-Point Safety Plan’ is the result of months of consultations with public health experts and outlines our comprehensive approach to welcoming guests back safely,” said MGM Resorts Acting CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle. “Our properties will not look the way they used to for a while, and that’s not only okay, it’s critically important. We will continue providing the hospitality experiences we are known for, but we must do so safely. We will continue working with experts and following guidance from the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and government officials and regulators as we evolve these protocols based on the latest information.”

MGM Resorts broke down its plan into seven parts: screening, temperature checks and training of employees; personal protective equipment (PPE); physical distancing; handwashing and sanitation; HVAC control and air quality; incident response protocols; and digital innovations.

Employees will be required to have daily temperature checks, wear masks, and other appropriate PPE as per their job functions. Guests will be strongly encouraged to wear masks as well, and free masks will be made available to them.

Physical distancing will include floor markings and plexiglass barriers throughout casinos and lobbies. Signage will remind everyone of the importance of physical distancing.

Custom-built handwashing stations with soap and water, along with hand-sanitizing stations, will be readily available in high-traffic areas.

Digital innovations include contactless options for guests to check-in via an app on their digital devices that will have the ability to process payment, verify identification, and obtain a digital room key. Physical keys will be available for those who prefer that option. In addition, digital menus will be available to view on personal mobile devices via QR code. Virtual queues will be in place for guests when immediate seating is unavailable. Guests will receive a text message notification when their table is ready.