Last night at 11:59pm Pacific Time, Gov. Steve Sisolak’s directive for Nevada residents and visitors to cover their noses and mouths with a mask or face covering when in public space, including casinos, went into effect in an effort to stop the continuing spread of the coronavirus.
Nevada gaming regulators intend to enforce the governor’s directive. According to Nevada Gaming Control Board member Terry Johnson, casinos in the Silver State will be monitored and could face “disciplinary action” from the Gaming Commission if they do not comply.
Businesses were given one day to get ready as the directive was made on Wednesday. The same day, Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts announced that guests who enter their properties throughout the US will be required wear masks.
Both companies said guests who refuse will be asked to leave. Caesars’ policy took effect Wednesday at noon while MGM Resorts impose their policy today.
“We hope that our guests will do their part to help the collective efforts to curtail the spread of the virus,” MGM Resorts said in a released statement.
Wynn Las Vegas said they applaud the governor’s decision.
“Mandatory face coverings have had no impact on the ability of our employees to deliver great guest experiences,” Wynn Las Vegas said also in a release. “Similarly, we believe face coverings will not diminish the unique experiences only Las Vegas can offer visitors.”
Exceptions to the directive include people with medical conditions that make it difficult to breath or a disability that prevents them from wearing a face covering and young children under 10 years of age.
Gov. Sisolak said, “For Nevada to stay safe and to stay open, we must make face coverings a routine part of our daily lives.”
