Nevada Governor Sislak issues three-week ‘statewide pause’ as COVID cases rise



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Nevada faces new restrictions in an effort to help control the growing spread of COVID-19.

“To date, 13 of our 17 counties are reported to be at high risk of transmission. As of early October, only two counties have been reported,” Governor Steve Sisolak said at a press conference on Sunday. “Our statewide positivity rate is at an all-time high of 16.5 percent, and as I mentioned, we have passed 2,000 deaths.

Sisolak noted that the state’s case rate growth exceeds other states at “wildfire levels.”

“All available models indicate Nevada is in a ‘red zone’ and our health experts predict continued growth of cases based on current trends,” he said. “In fact, 10% of all COVID cases recorded in Nevada since the start of the pandemic have been reported in the past seven days. Every minute a Nevadan is diagnosed with COVID-19.”

He also warned that hospitals were experiencing staff shortages. “We are on a rapid trajectory that threatens to overwhelm our health system, our frontline health workers and your access to care,” he added. “So now is the time to act.”

As a result, Sisolak issued what he called a “statewide break” for at least the next three weeks. The break, which goes into effect Nov. 24 at 12:01 a.m., involves a stronger mask mandate and new capacity limits.

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According to Sisolak, Nevadans and visitors are required to wear a mask at all times, whether indoors or outdoors, when they are not in the presence of someone who is part of their household.

No additional businesses will be closed. However, the occupancy rate of indoor and outdoor restaurants and bars will be reduced to 25%. No more than four people will be allowed at a table and reservations will be required.

“I know the majority of our bars and restaurants are doing their best, but these environments have been proven to be high risk as they allow people to remove their face masks inside people outside their homes. This is how the virus spreads, ”he says.

Gyms, fitness centers, dance studios and martial arts studios must also be operating at less than 25% of their capacity. Masks should be worn at all times in these environments, unless a client is actively drinking.

“If the activity is too intense to be done while wearing a mask properly, you need to look for an alternative,” Sisolak said.

Other businesses that will drop from 50% to 25% of capacity during this break include museums, art galleries, libraries, zoos and aquariums, arcades, racetracks, bowling alleys, mini golf, amusement and theme parks, and other similar activities.

In addition, gaming operations will be limited to a maximum occupancy rate of 25%. Restaurants and bars in gaming establishments will be limited to 25% of their capacity.

Retail, including indoor malls, will not have to change capacity during the statewide hiatus and can continue to operate at 50%. Retail stores and grocery stores over 50,000 square feet must have employees at all public entrances with customers.

Hair salons, hair salons, nail salons, spas, massage establishments and community and recreation centers will not have to change their boundaries. During this time, brothels, adult entertainment establishments, day clubs and nightclubs will remain closed.

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Public gatherings will be limited to no more than 50 people or 25 percent of the fire code’s capacity, whichever is less, under strict social distancing requirements.

This includes places of worship, indoor cinemas, live theater performances, casino showrooms, weddings, funerals and any other event where the public may come together, in one place, for the same purposes. If larger events are approved during the period, they should be canceled.

The new public assembly limits do not apply to school districts. Sisolak said the school closures had a huge negative effect on the students.

“We have seen more suicide deaths among students this fall than in previous years, and it breaks my heart to say that the victims have included students as young as 8 years old,” Sisolak said.

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Sisolak said if the increase in cases slows, the government will decide whether or not to ease the new restrictions.

However, if the situation worsens over the next three weeks, Sisolak said he would be forced to take “stronger measures”, including banning meals and indoor services in restaurants and restaurants. bars, closing of gyms and fitness facilities, and severe restrictions on gathering sizes. .

“We decide how long we spend in a high risk environment. We decide whether we are going to prioritize the education of our children, allowing our businesses to operate responsibly and protecting our hospital system. If not feel safe, it’s not safe, ”Sisolak said.

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