Las Vegas’ jobless rate remains the highest in the nation among large metro areas, a new report shows, yet another sign of the pandemic’s crushing financial effects.

Nevada’s economy must expand beyond its gaming industry reliance and add other types of industries, two economists said. Their prescription comes in response to a recent call by Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) to diversify the industries in the state, given the coronavirus economic downturn.

Las Vegas continues to operate at a fraction of normal capacity, as vaccine deployment brings hope to end the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the January Vegas economic update; here is my Vegas economic report from December 2020, discussing the likelihood of a K-shaped recovery.

With unemployment rates through the roof, and a virus that still cannot be controlled, the recovery plan in the field of health and the economy are two of the first challenges that must be faced, decisively, by the president-elect, Joe Biden. From Las Vegas, Adriana Arévalo for the Voice of America with the information.

Nevada’s gaming floors, bars, and restaurants must keep in place the 25 percent occupancy limit for another 30 days due to coronavirus risk, Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) announced on Monday. But the move led experts to question its effectiveness and the impact on the economy.

MGM Resorts International has furloughed about 140 managers at its Las Vegas properties. That’s while it also is planning to hire 400 seasonal pool workers starting next month, according to local news reports.

Penn National Gaming is the latest US casino operator to lay off workers, with word this week that 159 employees are being let go at Henderson, Nevada’s M Resort Spa Casino.

The COVID-19 recession was a faster, larger drop than the Great Recession, said Stephen Miller, director, Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER) at UNLV. Recovery started much faster because it’s not a typical recession, but one caused by the pandemic and, ultimately, the stay-at-home orders.