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Nevada COVID-19 task force led by ex-MGM CEO provides first update, announces new members

Posted at 12:54 PM, Mar 30, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-30 18:19:51-04

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Nevada COVID-19 Response, Relief and Recovery Task Force, led by former MGM Resorts CEO Jim Murren, shared its first update on the state's battle against the coronavirus Monday morning.

Speaking from his computer during a webinar update to the media, Murren echoed Gov. Steve Sisolak's recent sentiments that Nevada needs more protective medical equipment for nurses and doctors and more COVID-19 test kits.

RELATED: Sisolak: Nevada needs medical supplies

But, he says they are making progress.

Murren says the task force has already accumulated hundreds of thousands of respirator masks, surgical masks, gloves and other medical equipment.

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The task force shared the following updates on new equipment:

The NV Energy Foundation donated one million dollars to nine organizations across Nevada to support those in need.

Additionally, Wynn Resorts announced on Friday the procurement of 240,000 N95-equivalent CDC-approved respirator masks, 600,000 surgical masks, 500,000 pairs of medical gloves and 2,000 medical gowns.

Also, MGM Resorts International has donated 100,000 surgical masks, 1,000 KN-95 masks and 800 units of goggles to the Nevada healthcare system, in addition to hundreds of thousands of pounds of meals and food to community nonprofits.

In addition to the medical supplies, Murren also says the task force has secured a $3.9 million donation and has several other donations "in progress."

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The task force also reported a growing team, announcing the following new members:

Yvanna Cancela, Nevada State Senator

Doug Cannon, President and CEO of NV Energy

Alex Dixon, President of the West Region for PureStar

Dr. Rob McBeath, MD, President of OptumCare Mountain West Region

Steve Menzies, President of Focus Companies

Scott Nielson, President of Nielson Consulting

Phil Satre, Chairman of the Board of Wynn Resorts, Ltd.

The task force launched a new web site, nvc19.org, where the group says it will post updates on their efforts and successes.