Gov. Steve Sisolak of Nevada has ordered the shutdown of casinos and dining establishments, alongside bars, gyms and movie theaters in the state to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Gambling to end in Nevada

In a unique move to help stop the spread of the novel coronavirus, the governor of Nevada ordered the shuttering of various non-essential establishments in the state. The sweeping order will close down everything from gyms to gambling arenas. The Democratic governor ordered the monthlong freeze that will affect the state’s casinos as well as the slot machines located in convenience stores.

Nevada’s economy is powered by tourism and hospitality and gambling is an important part of their revenue. However, the rise of coronavirus has made the state take severe steps to ensure public health and safety. All businesses mentioned by the governor are scheduled to shut down by Wednesday. Just like its peers, the state has ordered restaurants to stop dine ins. However, they are allowed to make deliveries and accept takeout orders.

On Tuesday, Sisolak attended a press conference and said,

“This is affecting the lives of our citizens. People are dying. Every day that is delayed here, I’m losing a dozen people on the back end that are going to die as a result of this.”

An abrupt announcement by the governor

As the announcement was made on Tuesday night, Nevada businesses didn’t even have 24 hours to prepare for the shutdown. Governors of 10 other states have shuttered gambling businesses and other establishments in their jurisdictions. However, the impact of gambling closure will be the most severely felt in Nevada, where the Las Vegas Strip and a host of other casinos bring in massive revenue to the state.

The governor followed the federal guidelines of social distancing to ensure that the community-level spread of the virus is limited. President Donald Trump has asked the people of the US to follow these guidelines for the coming weeks. Older residents, who are considered most at risk because of the virus, novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

are being asked to stay home. Others are being asked to avoid unnecessary travels and gatherings of more than 10 people.

Some casinos in Las Vegas have already shuttered their doors. However, Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman hoped that at least the restaurants and bars could stay open during this time. However, Reno’s Mayor Hillary Schieve had ordered to close gambling establishments just a day ago. She has now allowed gaming operations to continue.