To watch the full interview from ABC's special 'Pandemic: What you need to know' on Wednesday, scroll down. To watch Gov. Sisolak's update outlining his plan to reopen the state on Thursday evening click here.
UPDATE 6 P.M.: Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak announced that he has signed a directive extending a majority of the stay-at-home measures through mid-May, but will be easing some restrictions starting May 1.
Nevada will continue to remain under the governor's stay-at-home order. However, the directive will allow Nevadans expanded outdoor and recreational activities, along with providing some relief for small business owners, according to the governor's office.
These changes include:
- All retail businesses will be allowed to operate under curbside commerce models, similar to curbside pickup currently allowed for restaurants and eateries
- This now includes curbside for retail cannabis dispensaries
- Drive-in services are now permitted for places of worship, as long as congregants stay in a vehicle and maintain at least 6 feet of social distance from people not in their household
- Relaxing restrictions on outdoor activities, including golf, pickleball, and tennis, as long as they do it safely and in a way that prevents the spread of COVID-19
The loosening of restrictions listed above and in the directive will become effective on May 1.
All other directives currently in effect will be extended through May 15, or until the state meets the necessary criteria set forth last week and consistent with the White House guidelines to demonstrate the state is making sufficient progress to slow the spread of COVID-19.
If Nevada continues in a positive direction and meets the criteria, the start of the next phase could begin earlier than May 15, according to the governor's office. At that time, a Phase 1 directive will be issued.
The announcement also said that while Nevada has not yet met the reopening criteria, the decision to ease restrictions on certain retail operations and some outdoor activities before entering Phase 1 was based on the state's progress so far toward meeting the specific benchmarks. Thes include positive case and hospitalization trends, along with testing and case contact tracing capacity.
"Nevadans have done an incredible job at staying home for our state, and as we work diligently to meet the reopening criteria, I wanted to begin some initial incremental changes that will make our full transition into Phase 1 smoother and positively impact our communities and small businesses," said Gov. Sisolak. "Our ability to enter the next phase and any subsequent phase of reopening will be determined by the continued commitment of Nevadans to follow aggressive social distancing guidance and requirements."
Under the extended directive, businesses that previously were directed to be closed will remain closed, including salons, barbershops, bars, and casinos, among other things.
Businesses that are deemed essential may still be open, and must always comply with strict social distancing standards and other safety measures to keep workers and clients safe, according to the governor's office.
Gov. Sisolak will present his "Roadmap to Recovery" during a press conference on Thursday, which will outline the projected phases and structure for how Nevada and local partners will navigate through the current pandemic.
Gov. Sisolak's press release on Wednesday also noted the following:
DIRECTIVE 016 (signed today and attached) extend the following directives through May 15:
- 003 – Essential v. Non-Essential
- With two amendments, as outlined above: curbside and delivery for nonessential retail, and curbside for retail cannabis dispensaries
- 004 – DMV auto extension
- With an amendment that says any drivers’ license or other card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles that expires during the time that the DMV is closed to the public, the expiration date is extended for 90 days after the day the DMV offices reopen to the public.
- 006 – Open meeting law
- 007 – Social Gatherings
- 010 – Stay at Home #1
- 013 – Stay at Home #2
- With the two amendments as outlined above: drive-in services are now permitted for places of worship, as long as congregants stay in a vehicle and maintain at least 6 feet of social distance from people not in their household and relaxing restrictions on outdoor activities, including golf, pickleball, and tennis, as long as they do it safely and in a way that prevents the spread of COVID-19
ORIGINAL STORY
LAS VEGAS (KTNV) -- During an interview for the ABC special "Pandemic: What you need to know," Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak told Good Morning America Anchor Amy Robach that he plans to extend the state's stay-at-home order.
Gov. Sisolak announced Tuesday that he will share a "Roadmap to Recovery" on Thursday, saying many Nevadans have helped to flatten the curve against COVID-19 by staying home.
13 HELPS | Coronavirus Resource Guide
When Robach asked Sisolak what we can expect to hear regarding the plan, he said in part:
We’re calling it Nevada United Road Map to Recovery. We’re going to ease some of the restrictions that we had previously as it relates to retail curbside pickup. Some of our outdoor activities we’re going to loosen up what some of the restrictions are. Unfortunately we’re going to have to extend the stay at home order a little bit. We just have not reached exactly where we want to get in the downward trajectory. Our statistics have plateaued. We’ve got almost 5,000 cases now in the state of Nevada and 225 fatalities so those numbers have kind of stabilized and hospitalizations and intensive care hospitalizations have begun to decline. And so we are looking forward to continue to bring our economy back to life a little bit.
Las Vegas has garnered national attention recently following Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman's viral interview with CNN's Anderson Cooper. She's calling for the city and the state to reopen.
Gov. Sisolak has responded by saying the state is not ready to reopen and that he is working closely with health experts to determine the best way to do so. On Monday, Nevada joined the Western States Pact.
RELATED: What Nevada joining Western States Pact means in COVID-19 response
Sisolak sent a tweet about his appearance on the ABC pandemic special saying:
I am excited to join @GMA tomorrow with Amy Robach for a “Pandemic: What You Need to Know,” special about Nevada's response to #COVID19 . Please tune in around 6:45 a.m. PST
The Assembly Republican Caucus sent a letter to Gov. Sisolak, requesting he reopen Nevada’s economy. It says the state has met its goal in flattening the curve, and it’s time to get people back to work safely. The caucus also wants to see more clarity on a reopening plan.
“What is the plan. We heard some of the benchmarks to get into phase one, but we don’t have the model he’s using, so we get an idea when that may or may not occur,” Assemblyman Tom Roberts said.
The letter was sent after Republican assembly members saying there is fear and frustration among their constituents. They say loosening restrictions is a welcome step but wants to be able to collaborate on a recovery process directly.
“The governor’s got a tough job. He’s got a tough position. There’s nothing easy about it. Our message is let us take some things off your plate and help you out,” Roberts said.
He also suggests some rural counties in the state should see some more restrictions be eased.
“Even in Clark County, for instance, if we’re not meeting the metrics, to do it safely for eat-in restaurants, you certainly could in other parts of the state, in some of our rural counties,” Roberts said.
