Visiting Las Vegas During COVID-19 – Worth the Gamble?

Las Vegas, the city known most for gambling, live entertainment, and conventions, looks quite a bit different since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Despite projections that Nevada would be the second most impacted state by the pandemic shutdowns, Las Vegas is currently open with a number of safety measures in place¹. Nevada relies on tourism more than any other state in the U.S., so keeping tourists safe is their number one priority². My partner and I recently took a weekend trip to Las Vegas to see firsthand how the city was adapting.

Las Vegas Hotel COVID-19 Safety Measures

Our trip began by checking into our hotel, The Palazzo, and as soon as we arrived, I noticed signage everywhere encouraging social distancing and enforcing the mask requirement. Nevada is currently under a mask mandate, and they appear to be taking it very seriously. Forget your mask? Don’t worry – nearly every entrance was staffed with workers enforcing the mask requirement and passing out masks to people who didn’t have one.

If you’re checking in with a group, only one person per party is allowed to check in at the front desk. The normally crowded line is now sparse with floor stickers marking every six feet. The front desk staff wore masks and gloves, and were protected by plastic plexiglass barriers.

On our way into the hotel, we passed two “temperature check” stations. These stations had thermal cameras that overlooked the crowd in an effort by the hotel to prohibit anyone with a fever from entering.

When we made it to the elevator, there was a hotel staff member that pressed the elevator buttons for us. Only four guests were allowed per elevator, and we never ran into any issues with the capacity rule. Guests were very accommodating and often waited for the next elevator.

Immediately upon entering our room, there was a complimentary bag with extra masks, wipes, and hand sanitizer waiting for us. The only other difference inside the room I noticed was the change from the standard hotel “book” to a disposable glossy magazine that contained in-depth information about the “Venetian Clean” process.

Las Vegas Casino Safety Measures

The casino tables and slot machines were all separated by plexiglass barriers, and there were designated staff members that quickly cleaned the slot machines every time someone got up. Not only that, but I also noticed several slot machines that were turned off to promote increased social distancing. When it came to the table games, I was most curious about the sanitation of the casino chips – they’re deep cleaned once per day, followed by several cleanings by the dealer. The dealers clean the chips before being put into play, when transferring from them from the table to the bank, and upon request.

Las Vegas Dining & Activities Safety Measures

If you’re looking to enjoy the pool area at your hotel, be prepared to get a reservation. The pool chairs were set up to meet social distancing guidelines while also adhering to capacity requirements. The pool deck was sanitized every day before opening.

During our trip, we enjoyed meals at both CATCH and LAVO. Each restaurant demonstrated similar precautions including cards with QR codes to pull up digital menus and tables separated with limited capacity. If you opt to drive yourself to a restaurant at another hotel property, be aware that most hotel valets are closed. If you’ve never self-parked in Vegas, the lots can be quite far away from the lobbies, so be prepared to walk. The Palazzo was one of the few hotels that had their valet open. Each driver wore a mask and put plastic down on the driver’s seat before entering the vehicle. Additionally, the valet only let you retrieve your car in person, so no more calling down and coming to your car on your own time.

My Recommendation

Overall, Las Vegas didn’t feel like anything close to normal, but I felt safe throughout the entire trip. I wore a mask, washed my hands, and continued to social distance. Although the night clubs remain closed, there was plenty of room to walk on Fremont Street or the Strip to enjoy yourself without feeling overwhelmed.

If you’re looking for a relaxing trip full of amazing food, great sights, and socially distant activities, I would definitely recommend Las Vegas. When you book your trip, consider purchasing an iTravelInsured Travel LX plan with Cancel for Any Reason coverage to protect your trip investment should you need to cancel or postpone.* Get a quote here.

_{Insurance benefits in IMG’s plans are subject to limitations and exclusions, including an exclusion for pre-existing conditions. Please review the plan document for a detailed description of the terms, conditions and exclusions. Availability and benefits may change per state. If you are not satisfied for any reason with the coverage, you may return your plan and receive a full refund within 10 days from the date of purchase, as long as you have not departed on your trip. Incurred a loss, or filed a claim. Plans are non-refundable after this 10 day free look period.*The trip cancellation benefit is determined by the amount of your trip you elect to protect, up to the maximum benefit stated above. **For Cancel For Any Reason, the following additional terms apply. You can only purchase this benefit at the time the base iTravelInsured Travel LX plan is purchased and within 20 days of the initial trip deposit. You must cancel your trip 2 days or more before your scheduled departure date. This Cancel for Any Reason Benefit does not cover the failure of the Travel Supplier to provide the bargained-for Travel Arrangements due to cessation of operations for any reason. Cancel for Any Reason benefits are not available for residents of New York. Insurance benefits in IMG’s plans are subject to limitations and exclusions, including an exclusion for pre-existing conditions. Please review the plan document for a detailed description of the terms, conditions and exclusions. Availability and benefits may change per state}

_{This advertisement contains highlights of the plans, which include travel insurance coverages underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company under form series T7000 et. Al., T210 et. al. and TP-401 et. al. The Crum & Forster group of companies is rated A (Excellent) by AM Best 2020. C&F and Crum & Forster are registered trademarks of United States Fire Insurance Company. The plans also contain noninsurance Travel Assistance Services provided by iTravelInsured. Coverages may vary and not all coverage is available in all jurisdictions. Insurance coverages are subject to the terms, limitations and exclusions in the plan, including an exclusion for pre-existing conditions. In most states, your travel retailer is not a licensed insurance producer/agent, and is not qualified or authorized to answer technical questions about the terms, benefits, exclusions, and conditions of the insurance offered or to evaluate the adequacy of your existing insurance coverage. Your travel retailer may be compensated for the purchase of a plan and may provide general information about the plans offered, including a description of the coverage and price. The purchase of travel insurance is not required in order to purchase any other product or service from your travel retailer. CA DOI toll free number: 800-927-4357. MD Insurance Administration: 800-492-6116 or 410-468-2340. The cost of your plan is for the entire plan, which consists of both insurance and non-insurance components. Individuals looking to obtain additional information regarding the features and pricing of each travel plan component, please contact International Medical Group 2960 North Meridian Street Suite 300 Indianapolis, IN 46208 USA. Insurance@imglobal.com. +1 (317) 655-9796. iTravelInsured Insurance Services CA Non-Resident Producer License No. 0F17093. .}

_{1 https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-usa-states/florida-nevada-may-be-hit-hardest-by-coronavirus-economic-shock-study-idUSKBN21O1SK
2 https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/blogs/stateline/2020/03/16/coronavirus-will-slam-states-dependent-on-tourism}