Nevada: Friday Means Masks On

LAS VEGAS, NV (KXNT) - Masks will now be a part of the fashion for Nevada starting Friday. 

Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak signed an order Wednesday, mandating the use of face coverings in public spaces, whether public or private owned.  

To be clear, due to the data and time needed for evaluation of contact tracing and impacts of this new face covering directive, any discussion of entering Phase 3 will be tabled. The pandemic is not over, we are still in the middle of the first wave of COVID.

— Governor Sisolak (@GovSisolak) June 25, 2020

The order applies to indoor activities, including grocery stores, retail businesses, malls and gaming properties. 

Sisolak says businesses should help enforce the mandate with clear signage.   

There are exceptions to the mandate.  Examples include people who are engaged in outdoor work or recreation and have the ability to maintain six feet of separation; children who are under the age of 9; people who are eating or drinking inside a restaurant, provided they can be six feet away from another dining party.

There are no criminal penalties yet if people don't wear a mask, but businesses have the right to refuse service if the customer refuses to put one on.

The state will remain in Phase 2 of what's being called Nevada's "Roadmap To Recovery", with no plans on a move to Phase 3.