“In the case of the theater, you can’t build it for 5,000 people and then plan to operate it with only 2,000. It’s not built that way.”
—Scott Sibella, president, Resorts World Las Vegas, who hopes to be “past all this,” meaning Covid-19, by the time the $4.3 billion resort opens in summer 2021
“Some (expletive) said, ‘You have to wear a mask,’ so we didn’t go to the pool. I don’t know who made that rule. What an idiot.”
—JaNeen Bird, of Arizona, a Las Vegas loyalist who says Vegas is “not as much fun” during the Covid-19 era
“We have to open up Las Vegas. It’s going to kill Las Vegas if we don’t.”
—Jason Molinar, a Las Vegas local who recently visited Bally’s wearing rubber gloves, a sun hat and two masks
“We’ve come to a very crucial point where the economy can no longer afford to be shut down anew… but if we have to and there is no other alternative, we need to do it.”
—Harry Roque, spokesman for Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, on the possibility that Manila may be shut down again
“I hope that this letter finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy during these unprecedented times. I am reaching out to you today to update you on the timing of restarting our entertainment programming.”
—George Kliavkoff, MGM president of entertainment and sports, in an email to entertainment staff informing them they will be laid off on August 31
“We’re all human beings first. Think about how you would want to be treated, and start with that.”
—Melonie Johnson, president and CEO, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, on dealing with the return of employees out of work during the pandemic
“I’ll be honest with you, I’m scared, I really am.”
—Dave Martinez, manager, Washington Nationals, on the surge of Covid-19 cases in the Miami Marlins ball club
