Nevada will no longer mandate masks in public spaces after immense outcry
Governor Steve Sisolak made the announcement on February 10 via a video message. The mandate removal will affect every Nevada citizen, regardless of their vaccination status, and comes as the Nevada Health Response estimates that the state registers around 1,278 confirmed cases of COVID-19 every day. The governor’s announcement comes as states nationwide are taking steps to remove mask mandates in hopes for a return to normalcy as the Omicron waves appears to subside.
The move also follows backlash from Nevada businesses and workers over its continued enforcement. On February 9, the Nevada chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business said that the mask mandate discourages potential employees from accepting jobs, the Associated Press reported.
“Masks will no longer be required in public places, but there are still some locations where you may be asked to wear a mask,” Sisolak said in his message. He is referring to the fact that individual businesses can still enforce a mask mandate, and that all citizens must comply with the rules of these establishments.
High-risk individuals are also encouraged to continue wearing masks, as well as those attending public transportation, hospitals and clinics. Despite a mask mandate no longer being in place, citizens do not have to stop wearing masks, and Sisolek said during his address that those who continue wearing them should be treated respectfully.
“Please be as considerate and as kind as you can possibly be,” the governor urged. “I encourage everyone to follow your conscience.”
This is a developing story and will be updated when more information is available.
Update 02/10/2022 at 2:05 p.m. ET: This story has been updated to include quotes from Governor Steve Sisolak, information on the mandate’s lifting, and background information on the backlash that the mandate received.
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