LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Revelers who want to ring in the New Year in Las Vegas still have plenty of in-person options to chose from and state health authorities are warning organizers there will be no exceptions made for the severe current COVID-19 restrictions related to crowd sizes and gatherings.
On Monday, Nevada's COVID-19 Response Director Caleb Cage addressed the number of events encouraging members of the public to show up in-person to ring in 2021.
"We are aware of a number of events that have been noticed or advertised to the public," said Cage during a conference call with members of the media.
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Nevada is currently under a pandemic pause, which began on Nov. 24 and is now extended until Jan. 15, 2021.
The pause, which was originally 3 weeks long, placed restrictions on capacity limits in restaurants, stores, and limited public gatherings to no more than 50 people or 25% capacity, whichever is less. No large events would be approved by state leaders during this time frame.
Private gatherings are limited to no more than 10 people from no more than two separate households, and the State’s face covering requirement includes private gatherings.
Cage says nothing has changed for the upcoming holiday.
"They have not changed and they are not changing for New Year's Eve or New Year's Day or any of the events associated with them, there are gatherings capacity limits," explained Cage.
Fremont Street Experience is welcoming people to walk under the canopy for a $25 "security fee" and says people will be able to come and go from adjacent casinos on New Year's Eve.
The website indicates face masks are required along with 6-foot social distancing.
Markings, signs, and reminders will be placed to remind people to adhere to the protocols.
The website does not indicate a limit on crowd or gathering size and there is no live entertainment scheduled.
The Plaza Hotel and Casino is holding a firework show in downtown Las Vegas and is selling hotel stays with tickets to a "New Year's Eve Fireworks Viewing Party" with champagne upon entry.
Over on the Las Vegas Strip, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department will shut down vehicle traffic for New Year's Eve much like in previous years.
Police say Las Vegas Boulevard closures will not begin until 6:30 p.m. and will be complete at 8 p.m.
Nevada Department of Transportation will begin Interstate 15 off-ramp closures at 5 p.m. on New Year's Eve.
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, charged with marketing Las Vegas to the world, points out there are no planned outside events or fireworks on the Las Vegas Strip for revelers.
Instead, the celebration has been moved online and can be viewed from anywhere in the world 30 minutes prior to midnight on Dec. 31.
Cage says COVID-19 restriction violations should be handled by local authorities.
"We really are expecting our local partners to be able to enforce as they said they would," said Cage.
LVMPD Deputy Chief Kelly McMahill, Clark County Commissioner Michael Naft, Councilwoman Michele Fiore, Clark County Fire Chief John Steinbeck, and Switch Sr. Vice President Betsy Fretwell will meet with members of the media to discuss preparations for the upcoming New Year’s Eve celebration in Las Vegas at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday.
