The H1N1 virus, or swine flu is causing some concern for Las Vegas tourists. Thousands of foreign travelers are in town for this weekend’s big boxing match and Cinco de Mayo which is the following week.
Some hotel properties are taking precautions to protect their guests from getting sick. The MGM Mirage tells Eyewitness News that, even though no agency has determined a specific threat to the Nevada hospitality industry, they are taking extra steps because of the outbreak. The hotel does have procedures in place to distribute medications, conduct quarantines and communicate any risks to the public. Even Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman is encouraging visitors not to be concerned.
“The hotels, at this point in time, have no problems as I have been told by the health department. There is no reason not to come here. It’s probably safer to come here than where they are,” Mayor Goodman said.
In addition, MGM Mirage says employees are being urged to have good hygiene and surfaces in public areas are being sanitized three times a day.
There are a lot of foreign tourists in Las Vegas at the moment due to the Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton fight. Some indicated they were a little bit nervous because there is such an influx of visitors in Las Vegas but others said the concern is overblown.
“Call me ignorant. I’m aware of the situation in Mexico. I’m aware of very stringent border patrols to get into the U.S. so you have a real handle on the situation. I don’t feel threatened at all,” said Rob Harding, who is visiting from England.
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority said they are working closely with their stakeholders and international partners to monitor the swine flu.
