
DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY DIRECTIVE 002
WHEREAS, on March 12, 2020, I, Steve Sisolak, Governor of the State of Nevada issued a Declaration of Emergency to facilitate the State’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, Donald J. Trump, President of the United States declared a nationwide emergency pursuant to Sec. 501(b) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 5121-5207 (the “Stafford Act”); and
WHEREAS, Nevada Revised Statutes, Chapter 414, provides that in times of emergency the Governor may exercise all powers necessary to promote and secure the safety and protection of the civilian population; and
WHEREAS, the World Health Organization, and United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have advised that there is a correlation between density of persons gathered and the risk of transmission of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, close proximity to other persons is currently contraindicated by public health and medical best practices to combat COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, recreational social gatherings unnecessarily extend periods of interpersonal contact and promulgates spread of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, certain nonessential activities result in the congregation of persons for extended periods of time; and
WHEREAS, NRS 414 outlines powers and duties delegated to the Governor during the existence of a state of emergency, including without limitation, directing and controlling the conduct of the general public and the movement and cessation of movement of pedestrians and vehicular traffic during, before and after exercises or an emergency or disaster, public meetings or gatherings; and
WHEREAS, the Governor, in consultation with the Chair of the Nevada Gaming Control Board and upon the advice of public health experts has determined it is necessary to take extraordinary measures to protect the Nevada public and individuals who work in the Gaming Industry; and
WHEREAS, Article 5, Section 1 of the Nevada Constitution provides: "The supreme executive power of this State, shall be vested in a Chief Magistrate who shall be Governor of the State of Nevada;" and
WHEREAS, on March 17, 2020, I verbally ordered implementation of the following measure,
NOW, THEREFORE, by the authority vested in me as Governor by the Constitution and the laws of the State of Nevada and the United States, and pursuant to the March 12, 2020, Emergency Declaration,
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT:
COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Directive 002 Orders
SECTION 1: |
The Nevada general public shall cease gathering at gaming establishments, and all gaming devices, machines, tables, games, and any equipment related to gaming activity shall cease operations effective March 17, 2020, at 11:59 p.m., for the duration that this Directive shall be in effect. This prohibition does not extend to licensed online gaming or mobile wagering operations; and |
SECTION 2: |
Gaming licensees who offer hotel accommodations may remain open if needed to avoid guest displacement or for essential or emergency purposes; and |
SECTION 3: |
This Directive shall remain in effect until April 16, 2020, unless renewed by a subsequent Directive promulgated pursuant to the March 12, 2020, Declaration of Emergency to facilitate the State’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. |