Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak held a press conference today (Feb. 11) and says that since COVID-19 trends across the state of Nevada continue to drop, he is easing some restrictions when it comes to capacity limits and gathering sizes.
Sisolak announced starting on Monday, Feb. 15, a first round of capacity limits will be lifted at various level based on risk-level of the activity or business-type—with some businesses being allowed to go to 50 percent on Feb. 15 while indoor dining, gyms, gaming floors, places of worship and entertainment venues will go to 35 percent capacity.
On March 15, all businesses operating at 35 percent capacity will be able to operate at 50 percent capacity. Public gatherings will be upped to 250 people or 50 percent capacity. On May 1, if trends continue to decrease — all COVID-19 restrictions will mostly be handed over to local authorities as opposed to state guidance.
As of Feb. 15, public gatherings and events can increase to 100 individuals or 35 percent of fire code capacity — whichever is less. Organizations may begin submitting large gathering plans beginning on Monday, but events can’t resume until Mar. 1. Events must be reviewed and approved by local health authorities.
Venues eligible for large gatherings will be capped at 20 percent of the total fixed seated capacity and must follow strict social distancing requirements and be able to adhere to all mitigation protocols.
Beginning Feb. 15 the following businesses can move to 35 percent capacity:
- Places of worship
- Gyms, fitness studios, yoga studios, martial arts studios, and similar establishments
- Gaming floors
- Arcades, racetracks, bowling alleys, pool halls and similar activities
Indoor dining at restaurants and bars will be capped at 35 percent capacity. Outdoor dining will not have capacity limits, but will be required to adhere to all social distancing requirements. Reservations will no longer be required as of Monday and will increase the allowed number of patrons per table from four to six.
The following businesses have the green light to move to 50 percent capacity as of Feb. 15:
- Libraries
- Museums
- Art galleries
- Aquariums
- Zoos
Spas, massage establishments, hair salons, barbershops, nail salons & other businesses that provide aesthetic skin services will continue to operate under strict social distancing requirements under the authority of the applicable state licensing boards.
Sisolak said that between now and May 1, the COVID-19 Management and Mitigation Task Force will work with counties to develop plans to help prepare for a smooth transition to local control.
