Nevada is lifting a 50-person cap on public and private gatherings, beginning Thursday, in a step toward restarting conventions, concerts, sports events and trade shows that power the state’s economy.
The crowd limit change is the most significant loosening of coronavirus restrictions since June 4, when Gov. Steve Sisolak let casinos reopen at reduced capacity after statewide closures prompted waves of hospitality industry layoffs.
Sisolak said Tuesday that large venues that can hold more than 2,500 people can submit plans to operate at 10% capacity.
His new guidelines will let smaller venues host up to 250 patrons.
“This is an important step towards allowing more Nevadans to safely participate in social gatherings, including those facilitated by our faith-based communities,” Gov Sisolak said. “Additionally, this will allow Nevada to continue on the responsible path of economic reopening and recovery. With this next step comes great responsibility for our residents, business owners, workers, and families. I’m confident Nevada will rise to this challenge to ensure we follow all mitigation measures and guidance to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect our economy.”
He mentioned conferences and corporate business meetings as an opportunity to revitalize Nevada's economy.
"Nevada is not only open for business, we plan to be open for the long term," Sisolak said. "We are focusing on your safety."
It was his first in a series of press conferences announcing updates to the current Statewide Mitigation Standards.
Gov. Sisolak said updates to youth and adult recreational sports will be available on the Nevada Health Response website soon. You can check that here.
He's signing an emergency directive for these changes that will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
