Harrah’s Is the First Casino to Require Proof of Vaccination or Negative Test
If you’re planning to visit New Orleans, and especially its casinos, you should bring your vaccination card with you. Las Vegas could be next in line to institute similar measures.
Harrah’s New Orleans Hotel & Casino will be the first resort in the nation to require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test for guests. Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced Thursday, Aug. 12. that people will need to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test before entering New Orleans restaurants, bars, and other venues. The order goes into effect on Aug. 16.
“We have no choice,” Cantrell said in a press conference Thursday. “The situation is dire. We are out of time. The COVID outbreak is severe and pushing our hospitals and first responders for 18 months. The people of New Orleans are at the brink.”
Several other cities such as New York City and San Francisco are requiring vaccines for indoor dining and other activities. Los Angeles is also considering similar measures.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports that some entertainment venues in Las Vegas’ casinos may also be subjected to a requirement to be vaccinated in the coming months. National concert promoter AEG Presents, which operates the entertainment venue at Resorts World Las Vegas and the theater at Virgin Hotels, announced that ticket holders need to be vaccinated by Oct. 1 to gain entry.
Louisiana and especially New Orleans have reported growing rates of infection and hospitalization from COVID-19. Louisiana set COVID-19 hospitalization records for 10 straight days as of Aug. 11.
