Enjoying sin city in the pandemic that won’t end

Over the last week of November and during the first week of December my wife and I, along with two of my nephews, took a trip to Las Vegas. Prior to going on the trip, we did some research on what safety precautions were in place due to the COVID pandemic. When we arrived in Vegas we were surprised and impressed with how they managed to keep the allure of the city and the safety of its visitors in sync. I believe it can serve as an example for other cities. We enjoyed our time there and felt safe while doing it. I documented this experience by taking photos of us throughout the city observing the COVID protocols while also having a good time.

The protocols were very specific. Anytime we entered a casino there were sanitization stations with masks and hand sanitizer. At most entry doors there was a member of the staff reminding patrons of the protocols and enforcing them as well. For shows, individuals were required to have a negative covid test (there were testing booths in the casinos) or present a vaccination card to enter. On all public transportation masks were also required. Everyone complied (except for a few people that had to be sternly reminded) because they knew these were the rules to enjoy all that Vegas has to offer.

We became so normalized to the safety precautions it was like muscle memory to put on a mask and use the provided sanitizer from the stations when entering a new casino. The question is what can other major cities learn from Vegas?

Here are some thoughts on what they did well that other major cities can learn from:

1. Articulate your covid protocols clearly and remind visitors of what they are throughout the city and in facilities with signage strategically placed
2. Provide sanitization stations in key places in buildings and outdoors throughout the city
3. Require negative tests results and vaccination cards for entry into large events
4. Require masks indoors regardless of vaccination status
5. Reiterate how observing the protocols will not diminish the experience in the city