On May 1, the state will hand over control of its COVID-19 mitigation requirements to the counties, but Governor Steve Sisolak expects Nevada to be able to return to 100 percent capacity on June 1.
„Based on the consultation with our state health authorities, I am pleased to announce that I am very confident that every county in the state of Nevada can reopen at 100 percent capacity by June 1st,” he said at a press conference. Some counties, especially those in rural areas, may opt to reopen with 100 percent capacity on May 1st, depending on community transition rates and vaccine delivery. For example, Nye County has already announced these plans.
Nevada completely closed unnecessary businesses, including restaurants, bars, and casinos, in March 2020 to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The restaurants reopened in May 2020 with a capacity of 50 percent, while the casinos also returned on June 4, 2020 with a capacity of 50 percent. Last summer the bars were closed from July to September. In November, the state reduced capacity to 25 percent as the number of COVID-19 cases increased dramatically across the state. The state increased capacity to 35 percent on February 15 and increased capacity to 50 percent on March 15. Nightclubs, gentlemen’s clubs, and pool parties remain closed, although many function as lounges with no party vibe.
Sisolak also plans to lift the nationally required social distancing mandate starting May 1, so that counties can determine what is appropriate. A binding mask mandate remains in force.
Clark County has already released plans that will go into effect May 1st. Many existing mandates – namely 50 percent capacity in bars and restaurants, no limitation on outdoor capacity, only table service – will remain in place. The county recommends that restaurants and bars continue to offer takeaway and delivery options and expand outdoor dining.
The new measures include increasing the table capacity from six to ten people. Restaurants can also prepare food at the table if guests and staff wear appropriate face coverings.
Restaurants and bars must have hand sanitizer available and should continue health and temperature checks.
Other changes made in Clark County on May 1st include the return of buffets, nightclubs, and adult entertainment.
Buffets
The district enables self-service buffets to be reopened if each station is monitored by an employee, customers are offered hand disinfectants and service utensils are replaced every hour.
Super Market
Self-service salad bars, salsa bars, olive bars, spice stations, and bulk food containers can return if each station is monitored by an employee, hand sanitizer is offered, service paraphernalia is changed hourly, and patrons and employees practice reasonable social distancing. Grocery stores can continue sampling if the face coverings are replaced as soon as a sample is consumed.
Entertainment for adults
All employers must always provide employees with face covers and require employees to wear face covers. All customers must wear a face mask when they are not actively eating, drinking, or smoking. This guideline is no different from the current requirements in restaurants, bars and casinos. The company, which is 50 percent open, must encourage frequent and thorough hand washing, including providing a hand washing place for workers, customers and visitors to the construction site. The Gentlemen’s Club must provide routine cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and equipment with EPA proven cleaning chemicals and conduct daily health checks of staff.
Night clubs
Night clubs can have a maximum capacity of 50 percent. All employers must always provide face covers to employees and require employees to wear face covers, and all customers must wear face covers when they are not actively eating, drinking, or smoking. The company must encourage frequent and thorough hand washing, including providing a hand washing place for workers, customers and visitors to the construction site. Nightclubs must provide routine cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and equipment with EPA-approved cleaning chemicals and conduct daily health checks of staff. Dance floors are banned if social distancing requirements must be met.
Casinos
The Nevada Gaming Control Board will continue to retain authority over the gaming areas, including gaming floors for licensed facilities in the state of Nevada.
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