I am going to Vegas on Friday, how should I think about my risks

You can go if you wish. At moderately worst, you'll be sick for a week or two. At best, you'll die and you won't have to worry about bills or taxes anymore. But if you don't get sick at all, you'll have a good time.

I see a lot of my friends are still traveling. Cases are still relatively low in the mountain and desert regions. Just be sure to wash your hands, keep some hand sanitizer on you at all times, and probably some Lysol bleach wipes to wipe down all areas that you are about to touch. Don't touch handles, doorknobs, and if you're renting a car, of course -- wipe everything down. Same thing with your stay at a hotel.. probably the least wiped area are the door knobs, the remote control to the television, and even the faucets and handles in the bathroom. Use your sleeve when using a public rest room to not touch the door knob (been doing this... forever so...) At the casinos... not much you can do about the cards, but if you are pulling the slots, just wipe the handles down, the seats, etc.

It's unfortunate that the virus has wiped out about 5,000 people, but its nature keeping humans in check and also... chances are, you'll probably live. It's a bit worse than the flu but you may not even experience any symptoms, or it could just be mild, which leaves you with a runny nose, a cough, and extreme exhaustion.

While the virus is extremely contagious, the media has reported on it over a billion times, more times than any other virus in history. So while it's not wise to just "write it off", it is probably best not to think of it like the end of your life. Still got to live :)

I live on the strip and, so far, not much has changed just yet. Bars are still full of people, restaurants are full, people walking around having fun, pretty much the usual.

However, they are starting to close things (MGM buffets, for one) and likely this type of shut down pattern will pick up in speed soon.

This coming week is usually really busy, as its spring break, march madness, and St. Pattys day all in the same week. Honestly not sure how that will go, but wouldn’t be surprised if it’s still pretty busy.

We will be going out as usual, mainly to support our friends who are out there working and rely on visitors for their income.

But obviously, its much different coming here from outside if you have to go through all the airline process and exposure, reside in a hotel, and eat out for every meal.

I think either choice makes sense. There’s a chance that you may regret traveling, or a chance you look back a year from now wondering “what were we so scared of again?”

All I can tell you is that, so far, it’s pretty much normal here...as of today.

Skip it. A casino is probably only a little bit less bad than a cruise ship.