Nevada Gov. mandates face masks in public, casinos support decision

Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak announced Wednesday that he has signed a directive requiring all people to wear face coverings while in public, to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

This will go into effect at 11:59 p.m. Thursday, June 25. The governor provided an update on the state's COVID-19 response and reopening plans at a press conference in Carson City on Wednesday.

Sisolak also said the state's economy can remain open as long as everyone agrees to wear masks and maintain 6 feet apart from person-to-person. The governor said this face-covering directive especially applies to indoor activities in which people are near each other, including gaming properties, grocery stores, retail businesses and malls.

Casino operators in the state praised the governor's actions in this matter, as reported by KTNV. MGM Resorts International Acting CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle released the following statement: “Given the public health situation and the reports of new cases, we support the Governor’s decision to require masks in public places and will begin to enforce according to his guidelines. At MGM Resorts, we have put health and safety at the center of all we do, and this will be a modification of protections that make up our multi-layered Seven-Point Safety Plan.”

MGM also updated their guest policy nationwide, as "guests and visitors inside public spaces will be required to wear masks at all MGM Resorts properties throughout the United States."

Thank you for your support, @billhornbuckle ! #MaskUpNV https://t.co/Bpm3H5FWqT

— Governor Sisolak (@GovSisolak) June 25, 2020

Wynn Las Vegas released the following statement: "We applaud Governor Sisolak in his decision to require face coverings for everyone in public, including those visiting a resort. It is a demonstration of his commitment, shared by all of us, to keep visitors to Las Vegas safe, as well as our employees and local community. Mandatory face coverings have had no impact on the ability of our employees to deliver great guest experiences Similarly, we believe face coverings will not diminish the unique experiences only Las Vegas can offer visitors."

Earlier in the day Caesars Entertainment came out with its own face mask policy and made this statement: “We promised that Caesars would continue to evaluate the latest recommendations, directives and medical science regarding the COVID-19 public health emergency and modify our enhanced health and safety protocols accordingly,” said Tony Rodio, CEO of Caesars Entertainment. “As a result, we are immediately requiring everyone in our properties to wear masks, because the scientific evidence strongly suggests that wearing masks and practicing social distancing may be the most important deterrents to spreading COVID-19 from person to person.”

The governor also clarified that Nevada would not be moving into Phase 3 until the percentage of positive COVID-19 cases stabilizes and shows a downward trajectory. The state has has a 4-week upward trend in new daily cases.

Thank you for your support, @MayorSchieve! #maskupNV https://t.co/KaeXPNePPJ

— Governor Sisolak (@GovSisolak) June 25, 2020