LAS VEGAS — Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak has signed an Emergency Directive that eases statewide standards on group gatherings and capacity limits on restaurants and other businesses. As of mid-February, groups of up to 100 people, or 35% of capacity, now will now be allowed to meet. Trade show organizers and other conveners can also begin to submit plans for large gatherings as well, though no events can resume until March 1. Events will still have to be reviewed by local health authorities and approved by the appropriate state agency.
As of March 15, almost all businesses will be allowed to operate at 50% of fire code capacity, and group limits increase to 250 people or 50% of capacity. Statewide guidelines for social distancing and face coverings still will be in effect.
“After making it through the very difficult winter surges and the pause, Nevadans want and deserve predictability about what our path forward will look like,” Gov. Sisolak said in a statement. “This is what was front of mind as we developed this Roadmap to Recovery Safe Reopening Plan. As we continue navigating this pandemic and ramping up our vaccination efforts, this plan will focus on how we can continue mitigating the spread while getting Nevadans back to work, protecting and recovering our economy, and getting our students back to in-person learning.”
The news was greeted enthusiastically by trade show advocates. “Governor Sisolak’s new plan for increased capacity for live events is a positive step for the city and our industry,” said Sue Sung, Executive Director of Go LIVE Together, which advocates for local, state, and federal legislation to help the recovery of the trade show industry. “It sets the tone for the conversations we are having with legislators now. And that message is getting through, as we saw with the specific inclusion of conventions and trade shows in the Senate’s budget amendment. We are really encouraged to see this because it’s what Go LIVE Together and our members have been working so hard to advocate for.”
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Details of the tiered rollout in regard to capacity:
- February 15: Capacity limits lifted to 35% or 50%, with activities based on risk level. No more than 100 individuals or 35% capacity, whichever is less, based on social distancing requirements. Proposals for large gatherings may be submitted. Approvals for large gatherings will not be provided until March 1 at the earliest.
- March 15: Most business types allowed to operate at 50% capacity. No more than 250 individuals or 50% of the fire code capacity, whichever is less, operated with social distancing requirements.
Reach Sue Sung at Sue.Sung@freemanco.com.
