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The Mask Mandate is back in Nevada, Convention Business Suffers
Gov. Steve Sisolak Tuesday issued the directive in accordance with new recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control. Mask use is mandated for all, regardless of vaccine status as Delta Variant shows increased infections.
The mandate will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 30, 2021.
The rules are in accordance with Sisolak’s Emergency Directive 045, signed in May, to automatically adopt CDC guidance related to mask-wearing.
CDC Hard Data Show Cases Going Up
Based on CDC data, 12 of Nevada’s 17 counties are deemed as having substantial or high transmission, including Carson, Churchill, Clark, Douglas, Elko, Esmeralda, Lincoln, Lyon, Mineral, Nye, Washoe and White Pine, the governor’s office said.
“This update comes as the Delta variant now accounts for the majority of new cases. The Delta variant has shown to be much more contagious and spreads more than twice as easily from one person to another, compared with earlier strains,” his office said in a statement.
Reno officials said Tuesday that they plan to require masks at their facilities, which include city hall and indoor pools, starting Wednesday.
Delta Variant on the Rise
In Nevada and nationwide, recent spikes in the number of new coronavirus cases reported daily have been fueled by the highly contagious delta variant.
Most new infections continue to be among unvaccinated people. So-called breakthrough infections, which generally cause milder illness, can occur in vaccinated people.
Nevada’s indoor mask requirements will apply to: Reno, Las Vegas, Carson City, Elko and other cities. The state Gaming Control Board confirmed the mandate would apply to casinos in counties with high transmission rates.
As of Tuesday, the Southern Nevada Health District reported 276,934 cases of COVID-19 in Clark County, an increase of 951 since yesterday and 17 deaths, bringing the total to 4,653.
Infections can occur in Vaccinated and Non-Vaccinated
Both agencies urged residents to get vaccinated. “While using masks correctly has proven to be effective in helping to prevent people from getting and spreading COVID-19, the best most effective step people can take to protect themselves is to get fully vaccinated,” the health district said in a statement.
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority expressed support for the mandate, per Senior Vice President of Communications Lori Nelson-Kraft.
The Las Vegas destination will continue its unwavering commitment to the health, wellness and safety of our workforce, the community and our visitors. We fully support the State of Nevada adopting the CDC’s recommendation to help minimize the spread of the virus to enable our local community and visitors to enjoy all of the offerings that make Las Vegas the entertainment capital of the world. We continue to advocate and encourage vaccinations as they remain the most effective solution to combating the virus.
Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority – Senior Vice President of Communications Lori Nelson-Kraft
For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine, visit NVCOVIDFighter.org.
Contributors – Associated Press