As you know, Governor Steve Sisolak recently issued Declaration of Emergency Directive 003 and ordered non-essential businesses to close, effective March 20, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. This order is in effect until April 16, 2020, unless renewed by a subsequent directive. We are still getting questions as to the definitions of essential and non-essential, so we are providing the directive with a summary for your use. www.covid19washoe.com
The non-essential businesses
are divided into two broad categories: (1) those that promote recreational and social gathering activities which includes, but is not limited to, nightclubs, theaters, massage parlors, live entertainment establishments and brothels; and (2) those that promote extended periods of public interaction where the risk of transmission is high which includes, but is not limited to, fitness centers and gyms, beauty and barber shops, and nail, waxing and/or tanning salons.
Essential businesses
, include health care providers, veterinary services, grocery stores, pharmacies, financial institutions, hardware stores, convenience stores, security services and gas stations. Also allowed to remain in operation are construction, mining, manufacturing and infrastructure sector businesses. The continued operation of these types of businesses must be in accordance with social distancing guidelines.
The Directive permits restaurants and other food establishments to continue operating, but only by way of take-out, drive-thru, or curbside pickup or delivery, and in accordance with social distancing guidelines. Hotels may continue operations to avoid guest displacement or for essential or emergency operations.
Businesses that are not delineated in the Directive itself, other than those engaged in retail sales, may continue operations if they are able to implement social distancing safeguards and avoid contact with the general public.
The Directive also clearly provides that businesses that do not comply with the Directive and the regulations, after receiving written notice from law enforcement, may be subject to criminal prosecution and civil penalties.
