Wynn CEO Calls for Conditional Reopening of Las Vegas Strip in May

Wynn Resorts CEO Matt Maddox has urged Nevada governor to start reopening the Las Vegas Strip from mid-to-late May, with strict safety measures in place.

“We now face a new, rapidly decelerating curve we must ‘flatten’. Our economy is in a freefall. Nevada will likely be one of the hardest-hit states in the nation and suffer very high unemployment. It is imperative to flatten this curve so we can re-emerge in a safe, sustainable way,” Maddox wrote in an article.

Maddox suggests that reopening will come with strict safety conditions, such as reduced occupancy, physical distancing measures in place, temperature checks, and no large gatherings.

“We all need to wear a mask. Wearing a mask is uncomfortable; however, it will allow our economy to reopen faster,” Maddox added.

He also urged the governor’s task force to concentrate on more widespread COVID-19 testing, which will be key to monitoring the situation.

“I understand that if we incrementally reopen we might have to pull back if a spike in cases occurs that jeopardizes our health care system capacity. However, the only way to cross this river is one stone at a time, and we need to put our feet in the water before it is too late,” he said.