In the midst of record COVID-19 cases in Nevada, Governor Steve Sisolak has announced new mitigation directives that will affect businesses statewide. Calling for a statewide “pause,” Governor Sisolak issued new capacity restrictions for certain business, as well as implementing a new mandatory mask mandate.
The new restrictions are set to go into effect at midnight on Tuesday November 24, 2020 and will last for a minimum of three weeks. At such time, Governor Sisolak indicated that his administration will make an evaluation on whether to continue the restrictions, increase restrictions, or if COVID-19 cases are trending down, begin to loosen those restrictions.
Under the new order, bars and restaurants offering indoor dining are now limited to 25% of their official capacity and must continue to enforce mask requirements, including wearing masks at all times with the exception of eating or drinking. Additionally, restaurants will be required to take reservations and can serve parties of no more than four individuals.
Other businesses required to comply with the 25% capacity restrictions include gyms, museums, libraries, art galleries, zoos and aquariums, racetracks, bowling alleys, and movie theaters. Patrons will be required to wear masks at all times, with the exception of drinking.
The new capacity restrictions do not apply to retail operations, but Governor Sisolak did indicate that retail and grocery stores with 50,000 square feet capacity will again be required to have a designated employee at the entrance counting the number of patrons entering the store. Further, the capacity limits for nail salons, barbers, hair salons, massage parlors, body art or piercing establishments, and estheticians will remain at 50% of the official capacity. Community and recreational centers will also be permitted to continue at 50% capacity.
Governor Sisolak also announced that the new restrictions will apply to gaming activities as well. Casinos, and the restaurants and bars operating within casinos, must limit the number of patrons to 25% of their official capacity. Casinos will continue to be subject to regulations implemented by the Nevada Gaming Control Board.
Additionally, capacity limits for public gatherings will be reduced. Public gatherings will be limited to no more than 50 individuals, or 25% of capacity, which ever is less. For private gatherings, the Governor indicated that there be no more than 10 individuals are permitted to gather together, and from no more than two households.
As part of the statewide “pause,” Governor Sisolak also announced changes to mask requirements. All individuals must now wear a mask when they are in contact with someone who is not part of their immediate household, regardless of whether they are inside or outside.
A summary of the new COVID-19 restrictions are linked below.
We will continue to monitor the latest developments in Nevada’s COVID-19 response and keep you informed. If you have any questions about your obligations under these new requirements, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@nevadaemployers.org or at (888) 398-8092.
