Nevada casinos face 25% occupancy limit under new COVID rules

Gov. Sisolak noted that 10% of all Nevada cases have been recorded in the last seven days, saying a Nevadan is diagnosed with COVID-19 every minute.

2020-11-23

United States

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In a Sunday press conference, Sisolak said effective 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, occupancy limitations at casinos and their bars and restaurants will be reduced from 50 percent to 25 percent. He added that if casinos do not follow the new requirements, “they will suffer the consequences.”

Nevada's governor said on Sunday he was tightening coronavirus restrictions on casinos, restaurants and bars, while imposing a broader statewide mandate for face-coverings over the next three weeks.

The new measures, effective on Tuesday, come as state and local government leaders around the country have moved to reinstate a wide range of limits to tame an alarming surge of infections following a summertime lull in the pandemic.

"Whether you believe in the science of Covid or not, the reality is this — Covid is filling up our hospital beds, and that threatens all Nevadans," Gov. Steve Sisolak, said in announcing what he called a new "statewide pause."

That’s why I am announcing that effective Tuesday at 12:01 a.m., Nevada will be operating under a STATEWIDE PAUSE. with the following conditions. We will keep these restrictions in place for at least the next three weeks – I'll talk more about next steps soon.
— Governor Sisolak (@GovSisolak) November 23, 2020

“Our case rate growth is at wildfire levels, ahead of neighboring states such as Arizona. All available models indicate that Nevada is in the” red zone “and medical. Experts expect case growth to continue based on current trends, “says Sisorak.

He said that 10% of all Nevada cases have been recorded in the last 7 days, and Nevada is diagnosed with COVID-19 per minute.

Gaming operations
Casinos and other gaming facilities are limited to a 25% occupancy and must follow the guidelines of the Nevada Gaming Control Board.

“If [the casino] doesn’t obey them, they will face the results portrayed by the Gaming Control Board,” Sisorak said of compliance at the local casino.

Restaurants and bars in the gaming facility are also limited to a 25% occupancy.

Additionally, Gaming operations will be restricted to have no more than 25% occupancy & must operate pursuant to requirements issued by the Nevada GCB, including health and safety policies. Restaurants & bars within gaming establishments will be restricted to the 25% capacity
— Governor Sisolak (@GovSisolak) November 23, 2020