Las Vegas, the capital of Clark County, Nevada, is known as the “city that never sleeps.” But the Covid-19 pandemic has finally forced Las Vegas to “sleep” for a long time, from March 18 until now. During this time, all activities of this “busiest city in the world” have slowed down. On the main road Las Vegas Blvd, only an occasional car drives by. The sidewalks are deserted, a few locals jog leisurely. All entrances to hotels and casinos are closed; on the roads leading to the parking lots, a few limousines are used as barricades to prohibit vehicles.
New York-New York Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas
As of the end of May, Nevada had 8,593 cases of Covid-19 and 417 deaths, with Clark County having 6,657 cases and 344 deaths. Currently, Nevada’s infection rate is about 1.3%, and the death rate is about 1.1%. A relatively low number compared to the general epidemic situation in the United States.
Temporary handwashing sink at Bellagio casino, Las Vegas
According to Governor Steve Sisolak, the state government allowed casinos in Las Vegas and some other locations to reopen from June 4, but also limited each casino to only receive guests at 50% capacity, ensuring social distancing and hygiene measures. Restaurants only accept guests with reservations. Entertainment shows, nightclubs and sporting events are still not allowed to open.
The Las Vegas Neon Museum began turning on its outdoor light panels on May 22.
Although new safety regulations have been prepared, demand is still low at this time due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Representatives of the state's entertainment industry said that tourists and gamblers coming here are mainly locals and people from neighboring states, as many people are still worried about traveling by plane.
Nevada's Valley of Fire becomes more attractive to tourists after the Covid-19 pandemic
Perhaps the only things to do in the Las Vegas Valley that have remained relatively normal are the outdoors. Spring Mountain National Recreation Area to the northwest, Red Rock National Conservation Area to the west, Lake Mead National Recreation Area to the south, and Lake Las Vegas to the east are all within an hour's drive of the city. A little further out are Valley of Fire State Park and Grand Canyon National Park – it's entirely possible to come to Las Vegas and spend most of your time outside the city.
Steve Hill, CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, said now is the perfect time for visitors to Vegas to explore a wild and unassuming side of “Sin City” they may not have experienced before. “It’s never too late to see a new side of Las Vegas,” he said. “This is your chance to do it.”
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