Coronavirus US Update: Nevada Announces Month-Long Closure Of All Nonessential Businesses

Governor of Nevada announced the closure of all nonessential businesses in the state for 30 days due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Gov. Steve Sisolak on Tuesday announced that the statewide closure would be implemented immediately to stop the virus from spreading further. The move was implemented following the closure of all K-12 schools in the state that was ordered by the governor on Sunday.

The month-long closure applies to all casinos, restaurants, bars, beauty shops, and other nonessential businesses. He also requested people to postpone or cancel all gatherings and asked them to stay away from places such as arenas, stadiums, large conference rooms and meeting halls.

The essential businesses that will continue to run include pharmacies, grocery stores, drug and convenience stores, banks and financial institutions, hardware stores, and gas stations. People who are unsure if their business is essential or nonessential were asked to contact their supervisors or companies for the details.

The closure was ordered following the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) who recommend social distancing as one of the means to reduce the spread of the virus.

"Lives are at stake. This pandemic is growing. Stay home for Nevada. Our first responders are on the front lines every day. Stay home for them," said Sisolak.

“Although you may not be experiencing symptoms at this time, you may be contagious. Do not risk your own health or the health of others. Every social contact increases your threat of exposure. The bigger the group, the higher the risk,” he added.

So far, Nevada has reported 55 cases of COVID-19 and one person has died from the disease.