Governor orders all Nevada casinos and non-essential businesses to close

During a Tuesday evening press conference, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak ordered a statewide closure of all nonessential businesses in the state, including casinos.

The Stateline, Nevada casinos not already closed will close March 17 at midnight. The nonessential businesses in the state must close by noon on Wednesday, March 18.

Sisolak was emotional and even forceful during his speech, pleading with the residents of Nevada to put saving lives ahead of normal professional and recreational activities. He said the closures did not mean everyone could go out and enjoy a vacation and warned against sleepovers, playdates, theatre outings or athletic events.

“We absolutely must take this step for every Nevadan’s health and safety,” he said. “Please. Please take this seriously. Lives are at stake, and each day passing, this pandemic is growing. Please stay home for Nevada.”

Moves like this have happened across the country since the novel coronavirus unleashed havoc previously unimagined. With health organizations calling for no gathering of large groups and at least six-feet between people, businesses are being told to close to prevent the spread of the coronavirus caused COVID-19.

Sisolak said the nonessential businesses that will be forced to close include restaurants, bars, pubs, wineries, breweries, coffee shops, gyms, shopping malls and salons, though restaurants will still be able to offer drive-through, curbside takeout and delivery services to their customers. Essential businesses that can remain open include grocery stores, pharmacies, drug and convenience stores, banks and financial institutions, hardware stores, truck stops and truck service centers, daycares, businesses that provide services to disadvantaged populations and gas stations, as well as police, fire, transit and health care services.

Sisolak, following other states in ordering the closures, expects them to last 30 days, depending on the COVID-19 situation at that time.

Caesars Entertainment, the parent company of Harrah's and Harveys Lake Tahoe, said they are shutting down all of its owned properties in North America.

“It has become clear that we must take this extreme action to help contain the virus and protect the safety and well-being of our team members and guests,” said Caesars Entertainment CEO Tony Rodio.

Caesars said they are working to ensure a smooth closing process throughout its network and look forward to welcoming back team members and guests as soon as appropriate. They said they recognize the disruption that these property closures will have on team members and is committed to helping employees manage the impact. An update on property closures throughout the Caesars network can be found at https://www.caesars.com/corporate/newsroom/press-releases.

Earlier Tuesday, Lakeside Inn closed its doors, followed by MontBleu. Hard Rock Lake Tahoe announced their closing at midnight via Twitter later in the evening. Calls to MontBleu and Hard Rock to find out their situations were not returned Tuesday.

Shortly after the governor's press conference, the Retail Association of Nevada (RAN) issued a statement about the statewide closure of non-essential businesses.

“The Retail Association of Nevada is working with our members to follow guidelines issued by the Governor’s Office to ensure Nevadans are able to access critical services. Essential businesses that will not close include grocery stores, pharmacies and hardware stores," said RAN Senior Vice President of Government and Public Affairs Bryan Wachter.

“Through all this, it is important to remember that the supply chain is secure; there are enough products for all Nevadans, and it is taking some time for stores to catch up from a huge increase in demand for certain products," said Wachter. "
“Many of our retailers are working diligently to strike a balance and have reduced hours to give more time for cleaning and stocking shelves. Stores such as Smith’s are also offering designated hours to allow senior citizens to shop with reduced crowds."