Governor Steve Sisolak announced that mask mandates are returning to most of Nevada, less than two months after Las Vegas mask requirements were lifted for vaccinated people and the city returned to 100% capacity on June 1. According to the Governor’s latest directive, Las Vegas residents and tourists must wear face coverings while indoors in public spaces beginning on July 30, 2021.
Why Do I Have to Wear a Mask in Las Vegas?
The new directive comes at the heels of the latest announcement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which recently released updated guidelines for mask wearing in areas where there is substantial or high transmission of COVID-19. The CDC now recommends that all people in coronavirus hot spots, even those who are fully vaccinated, wear a mask while in indoor public spaces.
According to the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), average daily new cases of COVID-19 in the state are the highest they have been since February, with a 14-day moving average of 814 new cases per day as of July 27, 2021. Testing, confirmed cases, hospitalizations, and deaths have all increased significantly in the past 14 days and have been steadily climbing since early June.
What the Las Vegas Mask Mandate Means for Your Vacation
For those who are unvaccinated or who have underlying health conditions, right now might not be the best time to vacation in Sin City, and you may want to consider postponing your travel plans. Luckily, many airlines and major hotels in Las Vegas offer flexible booking options so you can reschedule your trip for a later date if you need to.
If you’re fully vaccinated, healthy, and able to wear a mask while you’re in indoor public settings, you may not feel the need to postpone your travel plans. In fact, you can still participate in most of your favorite pre-pandemic activities while you’re here, as most venues continue to operate at 100% capacity. Here’s what you need to know before you arrive.
Hotels & Casinos
The new Las Vegas mask requirements will be enforced inside public indoor areas of hotels and casinos. Despite the vast majority of COVID-19 restrictions being lifted in May and June, most hotels on the Las Vegas Strip have continued to implement other safeguards on their properties as well.
For example, if you’re staying at one of the many Caesars Entertainment properties, including Caesars Palace, the LINQ Hotel, Paris Las Vegas, or Planet Hollywood, you’ll find updated health and safety protocols like additional hand sanitizing stations throughout the resort and increased frequency of cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces in the casino.
MGM Resorts International (including properties such as the Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, and the Mirage, to name a few) has also continued to uphold their commitment to health and safety by offering contactless check-in, hotel room keys, and payment options. In addition, they allow mobile ordering and virtual queuing at swimming pools, restaurants, bars, and lounges across each property.
Read more about how hotels on the Strip and Downtown are keeping guests safe.
Restaurants
There’s no shortage of delicious restaurants in Las Vegas, from celebrity chefs to fast food staples. Whether you’re planning a romantic evening at the Top of the World or hitting up White Castle after a night of partying on Fremont Street, Las Vegas restaurants remain open for business. Many offer takeout and delivery options in addition to dine-in seating. Keep in mind that under the reinstated Las Vegas mask requirements, you’ll need to wear a mask when you’re not actively eating or drinking.
As of July 28, 2021, there are no state, county, or city social distancing requirements or occupancy restrictions on Las Vegas restaurants. Please note that COVID-19 protocols may vary from business owner to business owner. Contact restaurants prior to visiting to confirm any limitations or mitigation efforts that may be in place.
Nightlife
If you come to Las Vegas to party, rest assured that nightclubs, strip clubs, and bars also continue to operate at full capacity. Although you will need to wear a mask whenever you’re indoors, the nightlife scene in Las Vegas is alive and well. Catch your favorite DJ at Omnia and Drai’s Nightclub, or hit up a late night pool party at Encore Beachclub or Marquee. You’ll have no trouble finding a place to get a drink, either. From gay bars to dive bars to local watering holes, there’s always somewhere to grab a cocktail and enjoy your vacation in Vegas, 24/7.
Shows
The show, as they say, must go on. Las Vegas shows were slow to reopen late last year as the pandemic raged, but most entertainment venues are now back in business, and several new shows are even expected to hit the stage this summer. Criss Angel’s magic show MINDFREAK returned earlier this month to Planet Hollywood, and an all-new Magic Mike show is coming to the Sahara Las Vegas in August. From live comedy sets at Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club to the long-awaited return of the Tournament of Kings, you’ll have plenty of live entertainment options. (Just bring your mask!)
There’s Always Something to Do in Las Vegas
Through shutdowns and mask mandates, Las Vegas has remained a premier vacation destination offering some of the best hotels, restaurants, shows, and nightlife in the world. State and city officials will continue to monitor the evolving COVID-19 pandemic in order to do what’s best for the health and safety of our locals and visitors. For the latest Las Vegas travel news or to enter one of our free giveaways, follow Things To Do in Las Vegas on Facebook.
