LAS VEGAS (AP) - Clark County, which includes Las Vegas, will assume control of COVID-19 mitigation efforts on Saturday, increasing capacity limits to 80% and reducing social distancing to three feet.
Currently, the county is following capacity restrictions of 50% occupancy for public gatherings and six feet (1.8 meters) of social distancing.
Nevada COVID-19 Response Director Caleb Cage notified the county on Tuesday that the state authorized giving the county control over virus mitigation and safety measures beginning May 1.
“I would like to thank you and all of the Clark County stakeholders for the work invested to develop” your plan, Cage said in a letter to Clark County Manager Yolanda King.
The Clark County Commission approved the 42-page plan on April 20. It allows some businesses to reopen, including nightclubs and adult entertainment venues. Facial coverings will continue to be required.
The plan also increases occupancy for gyms, pools and water parks, libraries and museums, retail stores, indoor malls and community and recreational centers. Salad bars, salsa bars and other self-service options will be allowed under certain conditions, and food sampling will be allowed at grocery stores.
Commissioners agreed that capacity and social distancing requirements will be removed when 60% of the 1.8 million county residents receive at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. That figure was at 46.5% as of Tuesday.
“Our community has been great so far about getting vaccinated,” Clark County Commission Chairman Marilyn Kirkpatrick said. “If everyone just keeps it up, we’ll get to open up the community 100%.”
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