LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Everyone is now required to wear face coverings when out in public, including private businesses to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
Gov. Steve Sisolak's mask mandate went into effect at midnight, but some business owners are still trying to figure out how to enforce it.
Gov. Steve Sisolak mandates Nevadans to wear face coverings in public spaces
The mask mandate includes no civil or criminal penalties for individuals who willingly violate.
That means you will not be fined or arrested if you don't wear a mask in public. However, business owners face serious consequences for not enforcing the mandate.
Gov. Sisolak has tapped the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA to help enforce Nevada's mask mandate.
Nevada governor tasks OSHA with enforcing mandatory mask order
Businesses that fail to meet requirements will face violations from licensing agencies and regulatory authorities.
Juanny Romero, CEO of Mothership Coffee Roasters and Sunrise Coffee, says with the mandate taking effect less than 2 days after it was announced, they're doing their best to follow the rules.
"You know this new paradigm shift has been so emotionally devastating for us. With these new directives that came out it, was very difficult having to lay off a large percentage of our staff that we love and care about, and to see a huge reduction in our income and that was a very scary time. With this new law and mandate that's coming into effect, what we've done as a company to make sure that everyone feels safe is we've bought masks to provide to our customers at no charge.
People with certain medical conditions are exempt from wearing masks.
13 Investigates spoke with the Clark County Medical Society and we were told you don't have to show documentation, cards or doctor's notes when asked by a business why you are not wearing a face covering. It will be up to the individual to be honest.
Another important thing to note here, every business may not provide you with masks so be sure to have some type of face covering. Under this new mandate, businesses have the right to ask a customer to leave if you're not wearing one.
