Maryland's MGM National Harbor lays off 85 employees amid coronavirus shutdown

MGM National Harbor Resort and Casino, shut down amid the novel coronavirus outbreak, has laid off 85 employees, according to a notification it sent Wednesday to Maryland's Department of Labor.

The layoffs were characterized as part of a mass layoff and took effect March 15, according to the filing. A representative for MGM National Harbor said there was not an official number as to the total amount of layoffs at the facility at this time.

The Las Vegas-based casino operator did provide severance and extension of health benefits to the employees. "All furloughed and part-time employees are getting two weeks pay and health benefits until June 30," MGM spokesman Malik Husser wrote in an email, Washington Business Journal reports.

Notice of the layoffs came after Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan ordered that the casinos and race tracks in the state be shut down starting March 16 to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The closures have since been extended to restaurants, gyms and movies theaters, putting the hospitality industry under particular stress during the outbreak. More restrictions on public gatherings in the state arrived Thursday.

The Maryland casino is putting its ample supplies to good use during this difficult time. MGM said it donated 22 pallets of food, enough for 45,000 meals, to community groups including Nourish Now. Meals are available at Nourish Now in Rockville from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.