Governor Steve Sisolak announced plans on Sunday to tighten restrictions on businesses as well as both public and private gatherings to contain the spread of the pandemic.
On a Zoom call, the governor said that the state will enter a "pause" for the next three weeks that go into effect Tuesday 12:01 a.m.
The announced restrictions include:
- Nevadans and visitors must wear masks all time, indoor and outdoor when around people that are not in their household.
- No closures of any businesses, but capacity measures are affected.
- Restaurants and bars may continue to operate at 25 percent occupancy. No more than four people per table.
- For restaurants and bars that serve food, reservations are required.
- Masks are required when not actively eating or drinking.
- Gyms, work out studios are reduced to 25 percent capacity and require a mask at any time regardless of the exercise.
- Gaming locations are to operate at 25 percent capacity as well.
- Public gatherings are now limited to 50 individuals or 25 percent capacity, whichever is less.
- Private gatherings are restricted to 10 people or fewer from no more than two households. With face coverings required around anyone who does not live with you.
- There is a pause on all adult and youth sports tournaments.
- Retail establishments may still operate at 50 percent capacity.
- Brothels, entertainment establishments dayclubs and nightclubs are still closed.
- Anywhere providing aesthetic are allowed to operate as they have been, socially distanced at 50 percent capacity.
In response, Washoe County Public Health Officer Kevin Dick says, "I applaud Governor Sisolak for taking action on this critical issue. As has been stated, the Governor has given the Counties the right to mandate further restrictions and that is currently being explored. Based on the research published in the Lancet and the extremely high level of transmission occurring in Washoe County, I believe that limiting all gatherings to no more than ten people has greater potential for stopping our surge. We’ve had the gathering limit of fifty people in place now for several weeks and haven’t seen any positive effect from that."
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The governor says the schools are not affected by the statewide pause, but that it is time to focus on overcoming the virus so our children can get back to school and end suffering.
If case trends get worse or better within the three weeks, the Governor will either loosen the current pause restrictions or make them stronger. He said if the case count continues in an upward trajectory for the next three weeks bars, restaurants and gyms will be restricted further or closed entirely.
Governor Sisolak says the increase in cases and hospitalizations is a threat to our healthcare system.
Sisolak says ten percent of our total cases in the state were reported in the last seven days.
Nevada Health Response released a graphic further explaining the severity of COVID-19 in Nevada.
At the beginning of the press conference, Governor Sisolak said he is still isolating with a positive test, but is feeling no symptoms.
He also thanked first responders for their continuous efforts.
You can re-watch the press conference here, or read the Governor Sisolak's remarks below.
