The new mask mandate goes into effect at the stroke of midnight Thursday and applies to all employees of businesses in Clark County. The mask mandate extends through August 17, when officials will reconvene on the issue.
The county commission declined to enforce mask policies on the public, though it was encouraged to do so by the Southern Nevada Health District.
“I support the Clark County Commission for using their local authority to issue this mitigation measure amid significant community transmission in Southern Nevada and as we continue our joint effort to increase access and confidence in the COVID-19 vaccines,” Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak said. “The State remains completely committed to provide every resource and support available to all of our counties as we see a rise in cases among the unvaccinated, driven by the Delta variant.”
The county commission also voted to require large businesses including casinos to submit plans by Monday on how they will protect employees.
Clark County is facing its worst Covid-19 outbreak in months. On Teusday the county reported a seven-day average of 727 new cases, the highest since early February.
Only 38% of Clark County residents have been fully vaccinated.
“We don't want to move towards reduction in capacity or face the consequences of other jurisdictions imposing restrictions on Las Vegas and see our economy shut down,” Commissioner Ross Miller said. “The public should have a very clear understanding that if they're not getting vaccinated, if they're not wearing masks — even though it's voluntary now, if they’re out in grocery stores and the places that the health district has identified — if the public is not inviting by those voluntary recommendations, this will have consequences.”
