The Nevada Gaming Control Board has said it will intensify the enforcement of mask mandates with Covid-19 cases on the rise statewide. This action is in response to thousands of visitors expected in the state for New Year’s Eve.
The Control Board said the directive “requires each person, including fully vaccinated individuals, to wear a mask in public indoor settings in counties with substantial or high transmission of Covid-19.” Clark County is among those Nevada counties with high transmission of the virus.
More than 1,000 gaming licensees were issued a notice by the Control Board.
“As Nevada prepares for a substantial rise in visitation for the New Year’s holiday, the board will intensify its enforcement of Emergency Directive 045 at all licensed locations subject to the mask requirement to ensure the safety of Nevada’s residents and visitors,” the notice stated. “The board reminds its licensees, gaming employees and the general public that a licensee in violation of any federal, state or local law or regulation is a violation of Nevada Gaming Commission Regulation 5.011, and that the board may seek disciplinary action by the Nevada Gaming Commission for any such violation.”
Emergency Directive 045 had been issued May 3 by Governor Steve Sisolak. It adopts all recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state health and safety leaders related to wearing masks.
The Nevada Gaming Commission disciplined two licensees for failing to enforce mask mandates during 2021.
Control Board agents routinely make unannounced visits to casino licensees to check for potential regulatory violations.