Several Nevada Republicans are imploring Governor Steve Sisolak to not shut down the state's economy, again. In a letter, the Assembly Republican Caucus says a "recent study found that 60% of business closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic are permanent."
Governor Sisolak mandated that non-essential businesses shut down in mid-March. Casinos, Nevada's biggest business, reopened on June 4th.
Currently there are 1,305,300 unemployed Nevadans. The state's unemployment rate in October was 12%, down from 12.5% in September.
“I’m encouraged to see that employment continues to grow. It is important that all Nevadans help reduce the spread of COVID so businesses can bring jobs back. DETR is committed to helping Nevadans get back to work,” Director Elisa Cafferata said.
Right now there are 13 (of 17) counties on the state's list for elevated transmission. Eight of those, including Washoe and Lyon Counties and Carson City will meet with the state's task force on Thursday to discuss further efforts to slow the spread.
Governor Sisolak has said that he is still gathering information and could decide whether to implement new restrictions "very soon."
The number of coronavirus hospitalizations in Nevada spiked to its highest since the start of the pandemic.
Officials reported on November 18th, that 1,246 confirmed or suspected coronavirus patients were hospitalized in Nevada, more than twice as many as three weeks ago. Statewide, there are more than 125,000 cases and nearly 1,950 deaths. In Washoe County alone there are 222 deaths and more than 19,740 confirmed cases.
Sisolak himself tested positive for the virus on November 13th. He's since said that he is experiencing mild symptoms and continues to work from home remotely.
Related: Governor Sisolak Urges Nevadans To Use 'Stay At Home 2.0' Measures To Stop Spread Of Coronavirus
Related: Governor Sisolak: Nevada Seeing 'Alarming' Trends In COVID-19 Cases, Urges People To Stay Vigilant
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
