LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Gov. Steve Sisolak announced on Tuesday that June 1 is the date that all counties can reopen 100%.
RELATED: Nevada Gov. Sisolak sets June 1 as goal for all counties to reopen at 100%
However, the final decision to reopen fully will be left up to each county to decide beginning May 1, according to a previous announcement by the governor.
After his announcement on Tuesday, a reporter at the press conference asked the governor about his intentions in announcing the June 1 date.
Sisolak responded that he was not interested who gets credit. He explained that he is excited about the position that the state is in and that it’s the first “really good news” that he’s been able to deliver in a long time.
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Sisolak has been heavily criticized by both the public and officials, including the mayor of Las Vegas, on how he has handled the pandemic.
Nevada Republican Assemblywoman Annie Black also questioned Sisolak’s motivation for today’s press conference in a post on social media.
Additionally, Assemblywoman Black criticized the fact that Sisolak announced that even though counties will be allowed to decide if social distancing will still be required, the mask mandate will stay in place for the state.
Assembly Republican leader Dr. Robin Titus sent this statement to 13 Action news:
“This is a political calculation amid the most progressive and partisan session in history. Everyone sees the Las Vegas pool parties already happening and kicking into high gear this summer during the Governor’s re-election efforts. Just like Gavin Newsom in California, the science changes when it’s politically convenient.”
And, Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman said:
“I am so happy for Nevadans who are eager to get back to work, to school and on with their lives, and to welcome tourists back to our fabulous city. The timing is curious though, and the governor’s speech sounds so much like other governors trying to hold onto their seats, one must wonder if these decisions are-or ever were—more about science or about politics.” – Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman
During the press conference, Sisolak was also questioned about the rising number of cases in other countries.
The governor pointed out that about 40% of the Nevadans ages 16 and older have started the vaccination process and about 25% of Nevada residents are fully vaccinated.
