Nevada Governor Orders 30-Day Closure of All Casinos, Restaurants, Non-Essential Businesses Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak announced the closure of all non-essential businesses in the state Tuesday, a proclamation which includes Nevada's casinos. After a mandatory shutdown on Tuesday, casinos will remain closed for 30 days.

Other businesses affected include bars, restaurants, movie theaters and gyms which will close Wednesday. Restaurants will be prohibited from offering dine-in service and will only be offering delivery or takeout items.

"All gatherings should be postponed or canceled," Sisolak said. "This is not the time for sleepovers, play dates, concerts, theater outings or athletic events. Although you might not be experiencing symptoms at this time, you may be contagious. Do not risk your health or the health of others."

Newsweek reached out to Governor Sisolak's office for comment.

"My ultimate goal here is to come together as Nevadans to save lives," Sisolak said in a Tuesday news conference. "That requires aggressive strategies aimed at limiting community spread. We don't have time to waste."

Gambling is big business in Nevada. Data released in February by the Nevada Gaming Control Board shows that during the fiscal year of 2019, 290 casinos grossed at least $1 million in gaming revenue.

Many Las Vegas attractions have already closed down voluntarily due to the coronavirus pandemic including the Bellagio, MGM Grand and Caesar's Palace.

Las Vegas Sands will continue to pay its employees throughout the closure according to a statement from company president and CEO Rob Goldstein.

"Our most important commitment is the one we have made to the health and safety of our team members and guests," Goldstein wrote Tuesday. "Right now, the best way to fulfill that commitment is by asking people to not come to work. While we hope this closure is a short-term necessity, we are realistic it may be a prolonged event."

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy also closed down casinos in his state Monday.

"The good news is online gaming will continue," Murphy said at a news briefing. "The bad news is, not much to wager on."

"Just as I have said and will continue to say, this is no time to panic," Murphy added. "It still is no time to panic. It's time for smart, intelligent, aggressive, proactive action. And just as that is true, it is equally as true this is not time for business as usual."

Recent data indicates 269 confirmed cases of coronavirus in New Jersey with three deaths attributable to the virus. Nevada has reported over 50 cases.

So far, the U.S. has reported 6,509 confirmed cases of coronavirus with 115 individuals succumbing to the disease. However, 106 cases are listed as totally recovered.

Worldwide, 198,422 cases of coronavirus have been reported as positive with a global death toll of 7,987. Out of those cases, 82,762 individuals are listed as recovered.