Just a few weeks ago, it would have been hard to imagine the closing down of Las Vegas. The reality is quickly upon us. As coronavirus restrictions come into play, Las Vegas is effectively shutting down. All casinos and non-essential businesses have been ordered to close for a minimum of 30 days. Sin City is no more.
While there have been lock downs all over the world and more serious virus outbreaks there is something truly massive about Las Vegas shutting down. It’s the party capital of the world, which makes this such a symbolic closure.
This is the first time since Nov. 23rd, 1963, the day after JFK died, that the Las Vegas Strip will be shut down completely.
These Pictures Show the Closing Down of Las Vegas…
https://twitter.com/overtflow/status/1240104830120497152
Even with a couple of hours trading time left, the casinos were already empty, as this video shows:
GHOST TOWN: Rows of empty chairs and tables at the MGM Grand casino in Las Vegas after management announced temporary service suspension amid coronavirus pandemic. https://t.co/sn8AHvwu1B pic.twitter.com/V3vM9azXrV
— ABC News (@ABC) March 17, 2020
100,000s of people are employed in the casino industry and its supporting businesses. This will come as a devastating blow to them.
BARE STRIP: One of the most popular and busy streets in the world is more quiet. Several casinos along the Las Vegas Strip closed Tuesday in an effort to help keep COVID-19 from spreading. This is something we're not used to seeing: pic.twitter.com/ihjzujiDUy
— 8 News Now (@8NewsNow) March 18, 2020
Some businesses have even started boarding up their premises as a precaution:
Surreal. Employees are boarding up the doors of the Bellagio. We are watching the Las Vegas Strip shut down. #Covid_19 #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/uoYLE57N4s
— Jackie Kostek (@JackieKostek) March 18, 2020
The Strip, one of the busiest and most famous roads in the world, completely empty. The closing down of Las Vegas is clearly a huge significant moment that will have large scale implications.
Las Vegas Strip last night: pic.twitter.com/jpx7wxMjfi
— Dave and Mahoney (@DaveAndMahoney) March 17, 2020
If you have plans to travel to Vegas you can keep up to date with all the latest news here from their official tourism site.