LAS VEGAS – Facing the intensifying spread COVID-19 across the U.S., MGM Resorts International has closed three hotel-casinos in three states.

The Las Vegas company announced the following closures in regional markets:

Empire City Casino in New York: The closure went into effect at 6 a.m. Saturday. MGM anticipates re-opening by March 28 – but will continue to "re-evaluate the status."

The closure went into effect at 6 a.m. Saturday. MGM anticipates re-opening by March 28 – but will continue to "re-evaluate the status." MGM Springfield in Massachusetts: The resort will suspend gaming operations by the early morning of Sunday, followed by a temporary closure of its hotel operations. “It is anticipated that it will remain closed for 15 days at which time the status will be re-evaluated,” a statement said.

The resort will suspend gaming operations by the early morning of Sunday, followed by a temporary closure of its hotel operations. “It is anticipated that it will remain closed for 15 days at which time the status will be re-evaluated,” a statement said. MGM Northfield Park in Ohio: The resort closed at midnight Saturday, but the company did not comment on when it would reopen.

The spread of COVID-19 has led to unprecedented disruptions in the tourism industry –including layoffs and furloughs for thousands of workers.

"We sincerely regret the impact this will have on our employees, their families, and the community,” MGM President Bill Hornbuckle said in a statement, “but their health and safety is our number one concern.”

MGM Resorts has no plans to close Las Vegas properties, a spokesman said in an email Saturday. Several employees there have tested positive for COVID-19.

Layoffs coming to MGM

COVID-10 has forced MGM Resorts to close buffets and suspend operations of all nightclubs, day clubs, spas, fitness centers, salons and spas.

In a letter sent to employees Friday, Hornbuckle announced layoffs and furloughs would begin next week.

"These decisions are never made lightly," Hornbuckle wrote, "and we deeply regret the hardship it will place on these individuals and their families."

Laid off workers will maintain benefits through June 30, the letter said.

'The travel industry has been challenged'

"As the nation grapples with the effort to contain the coronavirus," Hornbuckle wrote, "the travel industry has been challenged, and our company is no different."

More closures are coming next week. On Monday, 150 food and beverage outlets will close – with more shuttering "on a rolling basis."

Read the full letter here:

Several MGM employees test positive

Hornbuckle revealed several MGM Resorts employees have tested "presumptive positive" for coronavirus.

One of the those employees 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," Hornbuckle wrote.

All corporate employees with teams able to work from home have been advised to do so starting next week, he said.

'MGM Resorts will weather this storm'

The spread of COVID-19 has staggered stock prices of Las Vegas casino companies like MGM Resorts.

In late February, the company's stock price hovered around $32 per share. The stock today is less than half that.

"There is much about this unique crisis that is unknown,” Hornbuckle wrote in the letter. “But one thing that I do know is that MGM Resorts will weather this storm."