Gov. Steve Sisolak, in a Wednesday night press conference, mandated that as of Friday, June 26, all Nevada residents and visitors are required to wear a face covering in public.
In the Silver State, all casino visitors are required to wear a mask covering their mouth and nose unless they are eating or drinking.
Apart from a few exceptions, everyone in Nevada is required to wear a mask in public.
Evolution of face coverings in Nevada
For most people in the US, wearing a face mask is a new experience.
Earlier this year, the use of masks or other face coverings began as a method to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. When casinos in Nevada resumed operations, it was suggested to wear face coverings, but it wasn’t mandatory.
However, allowing guests the choice to wear a face mask was somewhat pointless. Based on anecdotal evidence, most casino guests were opting not to wear a mask.
The requirement for face masks was altered last week. Under the new plan, gamblers are required to don a face covering at table games that lack protective Plexiglas barriers.
The most recent change coincided with the day Nevada recorded its highest ever number of coronavirus cases. The new decree stipulates that all casino guests must wear a mask or face cover, regardless of whether there is a protective barrier between dealers and players.
A representative from Caesars Entertainment relayed information to Bailey Schulz, a journalist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal:
A spokesperson from @CaesarsEnt explains the impact of the new mask policy on smoking, stating that customers are permitted to drink or smoke, but must maintain mask usage. In order to consume a drink or smoke, customers are advised to momentarily lower their masks, take their drink or smoke, and then promptly pull their masks back up.
Bailey Schulz posted this on June 24, 2020. (@bailey_schulz)
National mask policy for Caesars/MGM Resorts
Gov. Sisolak’s news didn’t come as a shock, considering he hinted last week that he was exploring new alternatives for face masks.
Before Sisolak’s press conference, Caesars Entertainment declared a nationwide mandate for masks. All individuals inside any Caesars Entertainment establishment in the US are required to wear face masks at all times, except when they are eating or drinking.
Tony Rodio, the CEO of Caesars Entertainment, stated, “We have committed to continually assessing the most recent recommendations, directives, and medical research concerning the COVID-19 public health crisis. We will adjust our heightened health and safety protocols in accordance with these findings.”
Consequently, we are now mandating that all individuals on our properties wear masks. This is due to strong scientific evidence suggesting that mask-wearing and social distancing are potentially the most critical measures in preventing the transmission of COVID-19 from one person to another.
Shortly after Gov. Sisolak unveiled the new mask requirements, MGM Resorts also made a similar announcement. Their policy mirrors that of Caesars, with one additional provision:
We trust our guests to contribute to the communal endeavor of limiting the virus’s spread. Those who choose not to comply will be requested to depart from the premises.
Wynn Resorts praised Sisolak’s face mask mandate. It would not be shocking to see other national casino operators who own properties in Las Vegas making similar announcements.
Implementing mandates like this throughout a company can sometimes be easier than doing it piecemeal by regions.
