LAS VEGAS – The spread of COVID-19 has triggered a sweeping shutdown of major resorts along the Las Vegas Strip.

The unprecedented shuttering began Sunday, when Wynn Resorts announced it will close its two luxury Strip properties for two weeks starting Tuesday.

MGM Resorts soon after revealed it would cease casino operations on Monday and on Tuesday completely close its 13 Strip properties.

"Despite our commitment to dedicating additional resources for cleaning and promoting good health, while making difficult decisions to close certain aspects of our operations, it is now apparent that this is a public health crisis that requires major collective action if we are to slow its progression," Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts, said in a statement.

Murren added: "This is a time of uncertainty across our country and the globe and we must all do our part to curtail the spread of this virus. We will plan to reopen our resorts as soon as it safe to do so and we will continue to support our employees, guests, and communities in every way that we can during this period of closure."

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The companies announced the closures after Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak ordered that all K-12 public schools in the Clark County School District close.

After two weeks, the Wynn resorts will evaluate the situation. Some employees will stay at the properties to maintain facilities and security MGM will not take reservations for new arrivals prior to May 1.

COVID-19 has led to slowed demand and unprecedented disruptions along the Las Vegas Strip tourism corridor – financial fallout now leading to layoffs and furloughs for thousands of workers.

Employees will still get paid at Wynn

The closures follow the suspension of several hotel amenities at Wynn Las Vegas, including the buffet, poker room, sports books, clubs, spas, salons and fitness centers.

On Wynn CEO Matt Maddox announced in a video shared with employees that economic hardships will intensify for the company.

“Based on what we’re seeing, our business volumes are going to be basically empty over the next few weeks,” Maddox said. “Our hotel occupancy will be in the low teens – and that, to me, is not our concern. What our concern is that we all get through this together.”But Wynn employees won't have to worry about pay, Maddox said.

“What we’re going to do through these challenging times is make sure that all of our full-time employees – whether you’re in a closed outlet or you’re working here – will be getting their pay,” he said. “We don’t know where this is going to end, but we do know that it will.”

Wynn Resorts announced Saturday that Encore Boston Harbor will close to the public for two weeks on Sunday.

Will the rest of the Strip follow?

The Las Vegas Sands announced Sunday it will remain open.

In a statement, spokesman Ron Reese said, "Our property remains open and we will continue taking the recommended precautions necessary to keep our team members and guests safe. We will also be working with our team members impacted by the school closings in our community.

"The company is not considering layoffs or any changes to any of our existing health care benefit plans. Our team members are our most valuable asset and we have every intention of getting through this challenging situation together."

However, Wynn's decision to close luxury properties in Las Vegas could be an indication of what's in store for the rest Strip.

Facing the intensifying spread COVID-19 across the U.S., MGM Resorts International last week closed three hotel-casinos in three states: New York, Massachusetts and Ohio before announcing its Las Vegas decision on Sunday.

Several employees there have tested positive for COVID-19. One worked at the Luxor Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip, according to MGM spokesman Brian Ahern. Another worked at the Wet Republic pool at the MGM Grand.

"We expect that there will be more in the coming days," MGM Resorts President Bill Hornbuckle wrote in a letter to employees announcing layoffs would start next week.

Caesars Entertainment did not respond to questions about whether the company would lay off employees or close its resorts on the Strip.

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