Virusweary crowds head back to Vegas
Las Vegas has increased its casino capacity and visitors exasperated by virus shutdowns are crowding the entertainment city.
Casino capacity on the Strip increased to 80% and persontoperson distancing dropped to 3 feet over the weekend. Restaurants now can go to 80% occupancy, accept walkin diners and seat tables of 12. Buffets can allow selfservice supervised by employees.
The boom began in midMarch when casino occupancy went from 35% to 50% under state health guidelines.
Among the first arrivals were people ages 60 and older who were recently vaccinated. Analysts said pentup demand, available hotel rooms and $1,400 pandemic recovery checks have fueled the rush.
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority tallied more than 2.2 million visitors in March. The figure was down 40% from March 2019. Casinos closed from midMarch to early June last year, helping to drive the Nevada jobless rate above 30% — the highest in any state. The current state rate is 8.1%.
Gov. Steve Sisolak has set a June 1 target for lifting almost all coronavirus restrictions statewide. Mask mandates will remain in place indefinitely.