The Venetian and Palazzo Continue to Pay Staff Until Casinos Can Reopen in Nevada

The Venetian tells employees, including 1,200 at 15 partner restaurants, that they will continue to receive their full salaries and benefits through a time when the resorts reopen “sometime in June.”

In a tweet that contained a letter sent to staff, Vital Vegas shared the email in two parts.

“I know that you would all like to get back to work as soon as possible. Please continue to be patient. There is a light at the end of the tunnel,” says the letter from George M. Markantonis, president and chief operating officer of the Venetian, the Palazzo, and Sands Expo Center.

In a second memo to staff, parent company Sands tells team members that it will offer COVID-19 testing to staff and their families to determine if they have the disease, a mandatory test employees must take before returning for work, and a second test to determine whether staff carries COVID-19 antibodies.

The Venetian and Palazzo join Wynn Las Vegas, which is paying staff through May 31 while casinos remain closed in Nevada.

Gov. Steve Sisolak eased some of his restrictions on nonessential businesses on May 9, allowing restaurants to reopen at 50 percent capacity while staff wears mandatory masks and tables sit six feet apart. So, far, Sisolak gave no hint when casinos can reopen statewide, only saying it will happen in phase three or four of reopening the state for business. His first phase of reopening officially started on May 9.

The Venetian and Palazzo earlier released a safety protocol that includes 800 steps to keep guests and staff safe while visiting. Precautions range from a battalion of 25 EMTs on site 24 hours a day and thermal cameras at entrances to scan for fever to face masks and sanitation devices in every hotel room and restaurant seating spread out to encourage social distancing.

• The Venetian and Palazzo Reveal an 800-Step Plan for Reopening With COVID-19 Protocols [ELV]

• 1,200 Employees of 15 Restaurants at the Venetian and Palazzo Continue to Be Paid During the Coronavirus Pandemic [ELV]

• Nevada’s Governor Permits Restaurants to Reopen for Dine-in Service on May 9 [ELV]

• How Coronavirus Is Affecting Las Vegas Food and Restaurants [ELV]