NEVADA (KTNV) — Gov. Steve Sisolak held a press conference on Wednesday that provided an update on Nevada’s ongoing response to COVID-19.
The press conference was held inside the Nevada State Legislature in Carson City and a livestream of the update is available below:
Wednesday's update comes as the state has been reporting a daily increase in the number of COVID-19 cases and percent of positive tests.
Latest COVID-19 numbers in Nevada
And during his Wednesday press conference, Gov. Sisolak said he will mandate all Nevadans to wear face coverings while in public spaces beginning Friday at 12:01 a.m.
#BREAKING: #FaceMasks are now required in public starting Friday, June 26 in #Nevada. @GovSisolak
— KTNV Action News (@KTNV) June 25, 2020
“If you’re young and you’re healthy, it might be okay for you, but you could be asymptomatic and you’re spreading it to someone else,” said Gov. Sisolak.
The governor also said the state's economy can remain open as long as everyone agrees to wear masks and maintain 6 feet apart from person-to-person. Saying that wearing a mask is a medical necessity and not a political or philosophical decision.
Dr. Christina Madison says the rising numbers aren’t just because of testing anymore as there’s a true spike in cases.
“It’s going to be a big deal when you take it home to grandma, or your aunt or uncle that’s older and vulnerable who has kidney problems or heart trouble, and then they end up in the hospital,” says Dr. Madison.
We owe it to each other to accept the fact that wearing face coverings saves lives. We owe it to the many workers, health care professionals, retail clerks, restaurant workers, grocery store employees to accept that fact. We owe it to Nevada’s many businesses to accept that fact.
— Governor Sisolak (@GovSisolak) June 25, 2020
The governor said this face-covering directive especially applies to indoor activities in which people are near each other, including grocery stores, retail businesses, malls, and gaming properties.
However, there are exceptions, including those with medical conditions that make it difficult to breathe, those with a disability that prevents them from wearing a face covering, and young children between the ages of two and nine. With more detailed information available here.
I encourage all businesses to prominently post signage to alert customers and help ensure this directive is followed. I know there are some businesses who have already required face coverings for customers and I thank you for this strong and helpful stance. pic.twitter.com/5AqBJllYvr
— Governor Sisolak (@GovSisolak) June 25, 2020
Gov. Sisolak said businesses that fail to meet requirements in the directive will face violations from licensing agencies and regulatory authorities, in addition to Nevada OSHA. Also, businesses have the right to ask a patron to leave if they are not following the directive.
Former MGM Resorts executive Greg Chase spoke to 13 Action News recently about some of his concerns inside casinos, after not seeing social distancing or strict safety standards.
He believes the mask requirement will be a game-changer.
“Frankly, I think the greater message is we all have to remember this is for the health and safety of our friends, our neighbors, and our family at the end of the day,” Chase said.
The governor concluded Wednesday's speech by saying he doesn't want to take steps backward by imposing stronger restrictions but at this point, any discussion of entering Phase 3 is tabled.
To be clear, due to the data and time needed for evaluation of contact tracing and impacts of this new face covering directive, any discussion of entering Phase 3 will be tabled. The pandemic is not over, we are still in the middle of the first wave of COVID.
— Governor Sisolak (@GovSisolak) June 25, 2020
Earlier on Wednesday, Caesars Entertainment started implementing its own face-covering policy, and immediately after the governor's speech Wynn Las Vegas and MGM Resorts gave their support to the governor's decision moving forward.
Given the public health situation and the reports of new cases, @MGMResortsIntl supports the Governor’s decision to require masks in indoor public places. pic.twitter.com/5KgyGGfRf3
— Bill Hornbuckle (@billhornbuckle) June 25, 2020
Casino operators respond to Nevada Gov. Sisolak's face mask mandate
The Las Vegas Raiders have also shown their mask-wearing support on social media:
Wear a mask. Do your part. #StayOpenStaySafe pic.twitter.com/HKziq6LG0V
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) June 25, 2020
As well as the City of Las Vegas, sharing a "Stay safe. Wear a mask." video.
Stay safe. Wear a mask #StaySafeStayOpen pic.twitter.com/mFlH7SOcon
— City of Las Vegas (@CityOfLasVegas) June 25, 2020
