MGM Resorts International is ramping up its COVID-19 mitigation efforts. The company announced this week that salaried employees and new workers must be vaccinated to be considered for employment. A letter was sent out to employees on Monday detailing this new policy.

Vaccines Required

The vaccination requirement affects salaried employees and newly hired individuals. Those who are paid via salary must be vaccinated by October 15. New employees will not be hired unless they can provide proof of vaccination. MGM Resorts International will not require hourly employees to vaccinate at this time.

This new condition of employment is valid for the company throughout the United States. Salaried employees that do not work solely from home must be vaccinated by the deadline. For new hires, the vaccination policy is valid for both hourly and salary employees. This portion of the policy is effective August 30.

Bill Hornbuckle, the CEO and President of MGM Resorts International stated that for some people, this is an unwelcome development. It is a consideration that the company did not take lightly. Mr. Hornbuckle stated:

“However, as one of the largest and most trusted operators and employers in our industry, MGM Resorts is determined to do our part to curb the spread of the virus and help counter alarming trends in cases, hospitalizations and deaths. Vaccination is the most effective tool in doing so.”

Continued Vaccination Effort

MGM, like other casino operators, are doing their best to see employees vaccinated. Casino properties of the operator have processes in place to keep employees and guests safe from COVID-19, such as masking, cleaning and disinfecting.

In the letter, MGM thanked employees that were vaccinated and spoke about Hornbuckle contacting families who had lost members due to the virus. The letter also detailed how MGM is offering vaccination clinics on-site, making it easy for employees to take the shot.

Hourly employees of the company are still required to provide proof that they are vaccinated or be tested each week. A test costs $15 to complete. Hornbuckle stated further that the guests and employees of MGM deserve to know that the company is doing everything it can to keep them safe.

The CEO said that he believes that everything must be done to bring the public health emergency to an end.

MGM currently operates several properties in Las Vegas including Mandalay Bay, the Bellagio, MGM Grand Las Vegas, The Mirage, Excalibur, and several other venues.