Nevada brings back mask mandate - Stateline casino staff and guests must wear masks starting Friday

The State of Nevada is joining other states in reinstating mask mandates due to a rising number of COVID-19 cases. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention guidance said this week that even vaccinated people should wear masks indoors in public in high-transmission communities.

Within hours of the CDC announcement, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak announced the state would be following the guidance and reinstate a mask mandate since 12 of its 17 counties are considered high-transmission.

Based on current CDC data, the following counties are deemed areas of substantial or high transmission:

• Carson City
• Churchill
• Clark
• Douglas
• Elko
• Esmeralda
• Lincoln
• Lyon
• Mineral
• Nye
• Washoe
• White Pine

The new directives says that at 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 30, 2021, individuals are required to cover their nose and mouth with a mask or face covering in a manner consistent with the guidance issued by the CDC, and any subsequent guidance issued by the CDC while indoors in high-transmission areas. This Section does not apply to participants in certain activities or events, including but not limited to: athletes, performers, or musicians, to the extent other directives set forth less restrictive face covering requirements for those participants

The Gaming Control Board (GCB) immediately announced Tuesday that all licensees in these counties shall ensure that all employees, patrons, and guests properly utilize face coverings starting Friday. GCB also ruled that each gaming property must have signage alerting guests to the mask rules.

In conjunction with state and local health officials, GCB said they'll continue to ensure that best practices are used in the mitigation of COVID-19, and its effect on licensee operations, and will issue further notices as appropriate.

In California, there is no new mask mandate at this time, but the California Department of Public Health updated its Guidance for Face Coverings, recommending mask use for indoor public settings, regardless of vaccination status.