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Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak speaks during a Covid-19 update press conference Wed., June 24, 2020.
Friday, July 3, 2020 | 1:25 p.m.
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The state Occupational Safety and Health Administration found that half of the 181 restaurants and bars they observed Thursday weren’t following Nevada's mandatory face covering order to limit the spread of COVID-19, Gov. Steve Sisolak’s office announced.
“The noncompliance numbers reported by State officials are disappointing and unacceptable a week after the face coverings directive was issued,” Sisolak said in a statement. “If these concerning reports on noncompliance continue, I will not hesitate to take swift and decisive actions next week directed at targeted industries or areas that are experiencing concerning COVID-19 trends and non-compliance.”
Officials will revisit the businesses to check for compliance. Those ignoring the order can face fines up to $134,000 and be ordered to cease operations until they comply.
Since the mask directive began June 26, 65% of businesses were found in compliance in southern Nevada, while northern Nevada had fared better with an 85% rate, Sisolak’s office said.
On Wednesday, OSHA went to nearly 350 places statewide. It said southern Nevada sites had a 75% compliance rate and northern Nevada businesses came in at 84%.
Another 985 new cases of coronavirus were reported today in Nevada, including 848 in Clark County. At least 20,718 Nevadans have had the virus, resulting in 528 deaths.
“To those businesses operating in violation of the directive by not implementing safe social distancing and face covering protocols, you’re not only jeopardizing people’s health but you’re also jeopardizing your fellow businesses, your industry, and our overall economy,” Sisolak said. “To the businesses who are complying, I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart on behalf of all Nevada. You’re protecting our businesses, our health, our jobs, our economy and your industry.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
