Nevada Stretched COVID "Timeout"

Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak has announced that the constraints put in effect by Nevada to limit COVID-19 distribution will be extended until January 15 next year.

On 23 November, the "statewide pause" was introduced in an effort to tackle the growing number of coronavirus cases in the area.

The limitations, which were supposed to last for three weeks, lower the maximum limits for casinos to 25% or 50 people – whichever is less. The same goes for pubs, bars and fitness centres.

Such restrictions remain, such as mandatory masks and a ban on sporting competitions. Sisolak said that if case patterns changed during the three-week timeframe, he would aim to relax constraints, or reinforce them if the situation got worse.

During Sunday's extension announcement, the Governor also said the first shipment of COVID vaccines for medical staff and seniors will arrive this week. He underlined the importance of reducing the number of cases of coronavirus between now and when the vaccine is distributed safely throughout the state.

Land-based Nevada casinos have started to suffer this year as a result of capacity and travel constraints from COVID. For example, in the third quarter, Wynn Las Vegas saw sales decline by 53% year-on-year.

Many Vegas based casinos and hotels have opted to shutter midweek to reduce losses as a result of increased travel disruption. MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment and Wynn Resorts have also declared rules on the closing of some properties on weekdays.