LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Nevada authorities are calling a recent rise in COVID-19 cases alarming as 26 states across the country are approaching or setting new daily records for infections of the virus.
In a news conference Wednesday, Gov. Steve Sisolak says Nevada is in the middle of a delicate balancing act.
"We are not rounding the corner. I don't care who says it, we are not rounding the corner. You can see from the slides our cases are going up. Anyone who says to the contrary is not telling the truth. Anyone who says the contrary is lying," said Gov. Sisolak.
The 14-day moving average of new cases in Nevada currently stands at 774.
Authorities say that measure has been on a steady rise since the beginning of September.
Hospitalizations due to COVID-19 are also trending up and the death rate may follow the same pattern.
Authorities stress following current rules like wearing masks, social distancing and good hygiene are crucial to keeping Nevada's economy open.
RELATED: Nevada Gov. Sisolak signs directive to adjust standards on gatherings limits
"If you don't want to follow them (the rules) we're not going to be able to do more things," added Sisolak.
Authorities say 26 states are approaching or setting new daily records for COVID-19 infections and some hospitals are now being pushed to the brink of being able to care for patients.
Nevada hospitals remain in good condition but concerns are rising of more restrictions or shutdowns if trends continue.
"Right now, it's survivable for us, as a small business, we're not going to get rich, we're not gonna end up getting closes, but we are in survival mode and I think that's good, but any rollback could be detrimental to us," said Bobby Kingston, owner of Saddle N' Spurs Saloon located in northwest Las Vegas near Smoke Ranch Road and Jones Boulevard.
Kingston has spent months dancing around the ever-changing restrictions to remain open.
"I've heard somewhat veiled threats in terms of 'well, if we don't do what we're supposed to do things could change, we could roll back.' Obviously, I'm concerned about that," explained Kingston.
Nevada authorities have handed out fines for non-compliance of rules, especially for political rallies and gatherings.
On Wednesday, the governor expressed confidence in local jurisdictions to enforce and fine violators.
Kingston thinks the upcoming election and political power plays are factors in the COVID-19 conversation.
The governor rejecting any national narrative that the crisis is improving.
"Listening to someone with hyperbole or their philosophical ideas or frankly their lies is not going to change the fact that across this country, the spread of COVID. The cases are increasing," said Gov. Sisolak.
