On March 18th Governor Steve Sisolak adopted the mantra “Stay Home for Nevada,” and announced enhanced COVID-19 Risk Mitigation measures. The measures include closing non-essential public-facing businesses for at least thirty (30) days. This proclamation represents the latest of several measures enacted since the governor declared a State of Emergency on March 12th.
Governor Sisolak also issued written guidance regarding the measures, and which types of businesses are considered essential (and therefore exempt from the closure order). All Nevada businesses will need to evaluate what the announced measures mean for their employees and operations.
Nonessential businesses that will be forced to close include restaurants, bars, pubs, wineries, breweries, coffee shops, gyms, shopping malls and salons. However, restaurants will still be able to offer drive-through, curbside takeout and delivery services to their customers.
Essential businesses that can remain open include grocery stores, pharmacies, drug and convenience stores, banks and financial institutions, hardware stores, truck stops and truck service centers, daycares, businesses that provide services to disadvantaged populations and gas stations, as well as police, fire, transit and health care services.
And, for the first time in the state’s history, all gaming operations — including gaming machines, devices, table games and any other equipment related to gaming activity — will be required to close.
This action overrides a prior set of business closures ordered for the City of Reno by Mayor Hillary Schieve. Governor Sisolak’s order also follows the statewide closing of K-12 schools.