Mississippi Gulf Coast Casinos Mandate all Employees to Wear Face Masks

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Mississippi Gulf Coast casinos join gaming resorts in the US that are implementing the mandatory wearing of face masks to contain the spread of delta variant of COVID-19. In the past four weeks, the state has reported a 353 percent surge of COVID-19 cases, becoming the fourth most hit state.

Mississippi casinos are once again mandating employees to wear masks regardless of their vaccination status to contain the spread of coronavirus. The decision has also been recommended by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.


The gaming operators requiring employees to adhere to recommendations include MGM Resorts and Boyd Gaming. MGM operates Beau Rivage, and Boyd Gaming operates IP Casino Resorts. Both facilities are located north of Biloxi in D’lberville.

Health experts blame low vaccination rates for the increase of COVID-19 cases. Mississippi is among states with low vaccination rates, standing at only 34.2 percent of its adult residents are fully vaccinated. On Wednesday Mississippi reported 1, 875 new cases of COVID-19, delta variant was responsible for 90 percent of the cases.

In Las Vegas, MGM Resorts is also mandating employees to wear face masks. Masks are also available for guests, although not mandatory. Non-vaccinated guests are required to wear masks, though the casino does not ask for proof of vaccination.