COVID-19 restrictions have been extended for a further 30 days in Nevada in an effort to slow the spread of the virus.
Under the current regulations imposed by Nevada’s Governor, Steve Sisolak, stipulate that casinos will be allowed to operate at a reduced capacity at 25 per cent for a further 30 days.
In a live broadcast hosted on YouTube on Monday Governor Sisolak addressed the prolonged restrictions stating: “Due to Christmas and New Years our case numbers are likely to increase over the coming weeks and again increase cases lead to increased hospitalisations which leads to increased deaths.”
“Now is not the time to give in, it’s the time to double down for our state. It’s the only way we will recover.”
Permitted occupancy at Nevada casinos was first announced in November was subsequently extended for another month until January 15.
Also featured on the call was Candice McDaniel, Nevada Department of Health and Human Services. She stated that restaurant staff, food prep workers, and casino and resort employees will be moved up on the vaccination list, the state having talked to businesses to determine how to roll out vaccinations to front-line workers.
She continued: “We have proudly added a new bucket called front line commerce and service industries which includes the food service and hospitality workforce.
“We know Nevada is the hospitality capital of the world and as the Governor has said many times they are essential for our state and for our ability to be healthy and recover.
“This will include those working hard in these vital industries from restaurant staff to food prep to front line casino and resort employees.”
In lieu of the announcement The Nevada Gaming Control Board has issued a further statement to gaming operators referencing section 13 of Emergency Directive 035, which states that licensees must reduce the maximum occupancy on the gaming floors and other gaming areas to 25% of its maximum capacity assigned to it by local building and fire codes.
Licensees’ plans that have been granted approval by the Board with variances for partitions at gaming tables, partitions between gaming machines, and other such variances will remain in effect under the restrictions imposed by Emergency Directive 035. New reopening/operational plans do not need to be submitted based on reduced capacity restrictions.
Concluding its statement the Board said: “In conjunction with state and local health officials, the Board will continue to ensure that best practices are used in the mitigation of COVID-19, and its effect on the resumption of gaming and other licensee operations, and will issue further notices as appropriate.”
