Matt Maddox, the CEO of Wynn, believes that his casino company has the answer to the problem of large-scale gatherings in Las Vegas. In the city, ever since casinos reopened, all major gatherings are forbidden. This means that things like famous Las Vegas shows, concerts, and the essential conventions cannot take place. But, Maddox now presented a potential solution that should bridge the period before vaccination is more widespread.
That solution comes in the form of a saliva testing lab that Wynn is currently building. University Medical Center of Southern Nevada is helping in this process and the result should be a fully operational quick testing lab for COVID-19 coronavirus. Maddox also explained how this process should work for the visitors that would like to come to a gathering. A day before the event, they would need to pick up a simple tube anywhere in Wynn properties. After they leave a saliva sample, they should drop off the same tube at the lab.
In six hours, the lab should have their results back. That lab alone should be able to process between 5,000 and 7,000 individual tests in six hours. So, in theory, round-the-clock testing should be able to provide at least 15,000 daily results. Once the individual has this result, they need to show it at the entrance to the event. There, negative tests or a valid vaccination certificate would be enough for entry. Without this, individuals would simply not be allowed in.
Matt Maddox is an anomaly among casino bosses because of his strong optimism about the future of the post-pandemic industry. In his view, the process that will come in the next decade will mirror that which took place 100 years ago. Back then, the so-called roaring 20s came into being with the end of WWI and the outbreak of the 1917 influenza. The decade that followed saw a boom of entertainment services and the birth of industries like cinematography. Maddox believes something similar is in the cards now.
He especially underlined how much people miss being surrounded by other people, but might not realize this. However, when the danger of the pandemic is over, that need will come back. Wynn Resorts wants to be in the front row when the same sense returns to the different parts of the gambling market. Having a quick testing lab for the same purpose would be a huge advantage for all manner of MICE revenue streams.
