Mississippi Gulf Coast casinos requiring employees to wear masks indoors

The mask mandate for casino workers that has recently become effective in states live Nevada has now reached Mississippi Gulf Coast casinos, as they are now requiring their employees to wear them as COVID-19 cases surge in the state. 

MGM Resorts properties in Mississippi, like The Beau Rivage and Gold Strike have introduced the temporary mask-wearing policy for employees while working indoors. This measure came into force Thursday, both for vaccinated and unvaccinated members of the staff. 

Even though the decision was based on the rise in Covid cases in Mississippi, visitors and guests are not required to wear masks at this time. 

This news came a day after the MGM Resorts in Las Vegas announced they would require all guests and visitors to wear face masks as of July 30. In a letter written by CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle to employees at Las Vegas MGM Resort, he urged them to get vaccinated in light of the rise of Covid cases in Clark County.

The Silver Slipper announced Thursday that all employees must wear face masks or face shields when on the casino property. This mandate took effect on Friday, July 30, at 10 am. The only exceptions are when employees are eating or drinking in the break area. Masks will be available for guests, but they still have the option not to wear masks inside the casino. The Silver Slipper said it will enforce a maks policy for guests when the state of Mississippi requires them to.

Last week, the Scarlet Pearl Casino in D’Iberville announced that all casino workers and associates are now required to wear masks in the casino. It was also the first large company in South Mississippi to mandate coronavirus vaccines. 

The Palace Casino in Biloxi has also enforced their indoor mask policy as of Friday morning. According to WLOX, General Manager Keith Crosby reflected on the area’s situation: “Things are getting worse and doing nothing didn’t seem like the adult decision”, he stated, and underscored the fact that half the staff voluntarily wore masks prior to this new policy. 

On the other hand, the Treasure Bay Casino is only requiring unvaccinated workers to wear masks.