In order to help slow the spread of coronavirus casinos in the state of Nevada have been ordered to operate at 25% of capacity for the next three weeks.
Nevada’s casinos have been ordered to operate at 25% of capacity in an attempt to slow the spread of coronavirus in the state.
Implemented on 24 November, the limit on casino occupancy is one of several measures that Governor Steve Sisolak introduced in an attempt to help slow the spread of the virus.
Nevada’s new measures
Under the state’s new measures bars, casinos, fitness venues, gaming operations, gyms, restaurants and other businesses will be limited to 25% of their fire code capacity. This marks a significant decrease from the previous limit of 50%.
Retail stores, which includes grocery stores, will continue to operate at 50% capacity, while public gatherings will be limited to no more than 50 people or 25% of a venue’s capacity, whichever is less.
On top of this, private gatherings will be limited to no more than 10 people from two separate households and the state’s face covering requirement has been extended to private gatherings. This means that Nevada residents must wear a face covering at all times, whether inside or outside, when around people from outside their households.
The measures were developed in partnerships with public health experts, business and economic leaders.
Sisolak said: “As your Governor, I am confident that I did all I could to avoid further restrictions and keep us on the path forward, but now I must act. In this defining moment, I implore Nevadans to tap into their independent spirit and consider their own personal responsibility.
“Ultimately, our individual actions decide whether we are going to prioritize getting our children into the classroom, allowing our businesses to operate under safe measures, and protecting our hospital system and healthcare workers.”
States adopt coronavirus measures again
Nevada is one of the latest states to implement new coronavirus measures in order to clamp down on the virus.
Earlier this month, casinos in Michigan were forced to temporarily close their doors for the second time since March due to a sharp rise in coronavirus cases. Other entertainment venues, such as arenas, cinemas, concert halls, conference centres, sports venues, stadiums, theatres, amusement parks, arcades, bingo halls, skating rinks, water parks and nightclubs were also forced to close.
Michigan’s restrictions, which were announced on 15 November by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) in an Executive Order, are intended to limit residential and non-residential gatherings across various facilities.
Last week, Illinois also announced further measures which included the temporary closure of the state’s 10 casinos.
In a statement, Illinois governor J.B Pritzker said: “To stop this spread and preserve some semblance of the holidays, all of us need to do more than just wear our masks now -– though masks are mandatory throughout the state.
“The simple fact is that COVID-19 is spreading so quickly and so widely, and our hospitals are beginning to experience real strain, and at the current infection rate, they will be overwhelmed. So whenever possible, we need you to stay home.
