Gov. Steve Sisolak has ordered the statewide shutdown of all nonessential businesses in Nevada starting noon Wednesday.
The governor's latest coronavirus containment effort applies to all bars, gyms, beauty salons, barber shops, and malls, as well as restaurants that do not provide takeout and delivery services.
In Tuesday's announcement Sisolak said casinos and hotels will be given time to remove their guests before closing for 30 days. Retail malls and stores will also be closed for a month as the state works to combat COVID-19. All gaming machines are to be shut down by midnight Tuesday.
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“My ultimate goal here is to come together as Nevadans to save lives,” he told reporters in Las Vegas. “That requires aggressive strategies aimed at limiting community spread.
“We don’t have time to waste. We must act aggressively and decisively to protect ourselves, our families and our communities.”
The order will not impact essential businesses such as gas stations and grocery stores. Airports, banks, post offices, hospitals, pharmacies, daycares and urgent care facilities will also remain unaffected.
Professionals such as lawyers, doctors, accountants, and others can keep their offices open so long as they observe health precautions. Sisolak said no employee who wishes to remain home should be required to work. He said he plans to reevaluate the shutdown order next month.
“This is not a vacation and it’s not a time to catch up with friends. It’s definitely not a time to go to the movies. Every social contact increases your risk of exposure.”
When asked to clarify the extent of the closure a visibly frustrated Sisolak said, “People are dying. It’s incumbent upon the citizens of this state to take this seriously.”
