Gov. Sisolak puts Nevada on 3-week statewide pause, businesses react

CARSON CITY (KTNV) — Gov. Sisolak has announced Nevada will start a 3-week statewide pause at 12:01 a.m. on Nov. 24.

During the statewide pause, Gov. Sisolak says masks are mandatory at all times when around people not in your household.

Part of that pause includes capacity restrictions for businesses like restaurants, bars, gaming operations and gyms.

Restaurants in Las Vegas tell 13 Action News that they’re concerned about reducing to 25% capacity.

Lola Pokorny, owner of Lola’s Louisiana Kitchen, says she’ll be adjusting hours to focus on busier days.

Gov. Sisolak says there can also be no more than four people at a table and reservations must be made.

“At 25% you might as well close your doors,” says Pokorny.

Scott Frost, one of the owners at Hussong’s Cantina, says it’s not a matter of if, but when small businesses may have to throw in the towel.

“We’re already at 50%, so what you’re now saying is on those days that you were making, you’re going to make half the money, which is already half of what you were used to making,” says Frost.

Pokorny and Frost are both asking Nevadans to take the three-week period seriously so that small businesses in the state can keep their doors open.

“It’s up to the public, who loves us, to return that love to us,” says Pokorny.

RELATED: Las Vegas casinos respond to 3-week Nevada pause

Here are the governor's remarks:
“As your Governor, I am confident that I did all I could to avoid further restrictions and keep us on the path forward, but now I must act. In this defining moment, I implore Nevadans to tap into their independent spirit and consider their own personal responsibility.”

“We decide our distance from others. We decide how long we spend in a high-risk setting. We decide whether to take the simple step of putting on a mask. Nevadans know that if it doesn’t feel safe, then it isn’t safe. And, if it isn’t safe, we shouldn’t be doing it right now. Ultimately, our individual actions decide whether we are going to prioritize getting our children into the classroom, allowing our businesses to operate under safe measures, and protecting our hospital system and healthcare workers.”

Under the new measures, restaurants, bars, gaming operations, gyms, fitness facilities and other businesses and activities will be limited to 25 percent of applicable fire code capacity, down from 50 percent. Retail stores – including grocery stores – will remain at 50 percent of capacity, with strict social distancing and additional monitoring requirements.

RELATED: CORONAVIRUS: Nevada surpasses 2,000 deaths, 16.5% positivity

Additionally, public gatherings will be limited to no more than 50 people or 25 percent capacity, whichever is less. No large events will be approved during this time frame.

Private gatherings will be limited to no more than 10 people from no more than two separate households, and the State’s face covering requirement will be extended to private gatherings.

Nevadans must wear face coverings at all times, whether indoors or outdoors, when around individuals from outside their households.

The new measures take effect on Tuesday, November 24^th, and will last for the next three weeks. During that time frame, the Governor will continue to meet with advisors to evaluate the situation and look for signs of concerns or improvement.

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