Las Vegas mayor says media’s coronavirus coverage is ‘destroying us’

Sam Morris/Las Vegas News Bureau

Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman told tourism officials the media’s coverage of the coronavirus is “absolutely destroying us” and this is no time “for us to be wimps.”

Speaking at the monthly Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority board meeting, Goodman said fear about the outbreak has “taken over the world” and caused undue panic.

“This is not a time for fear to consume everything,” Goodman said. “The media is absolutely destroying us. I have yet to see a doctor who espouses the voice of social media and what the media is doing here.”

Goodman did not elaborate on what she meant by “destroying us.”

While four coronavirus cases had been confirmed in Nevada, the virus, which originated in China late last year, continues to spread around the globe. More than 116,000 people have been infected worldwide, resulting in over 4,000 deaths.

In Las Vegas, a number of scheduled conventions have recently been canceled, postponed or changed to online-only events.

“Having lived here, I know the risk-taking we have always done and I know the strength of who we are and how different, courageous and successful we have been,” Goodman said. “We need to be very proactive. We’re the convention and entertainment capital of the world and we are fine. Let’s not just sit here and be consumed with fear.”

Goodman said she thinks the media has gone overboard in its coronavirus reporting, though she didn’t offer any specific examples.

“When you turn on the TV or whatever podcast, it’s not about our great hockey team or that we’re going to have the NFL Draft,” Goodman said. “This is not a time for us to be wimps; it’s a time for us to be proud.”