Gov. Sisolak Extends Stay-at-Home Directive To May 15, But Loosens Restrictions On Outdoor Activities Like Golf
By Alan Snel of LVSportsBiz.com
Nevadans, you’re ordered to keep staying at home until May 15.
Gov. Steve Sisolak’s office issued the news via press release late Wednesday afternoon, though Sisolak spilled the beans about the stay-at-home order before that on ABC-TV network’s Good Morning America.
Sisolak sold the news as one that will loosen restrictions for outdoor activities like golf, tennis and pickleball, while retail businesses can operate curbside pickup operations like restaurants have during the COVID-19 pandemic economic shutdown. But no groups of 10 or larger are allowed and bars, clubs, gaming and sports events are still out.
Here’s part of the speech Sisolak then gave Thursday through a state of Nevada audio system that sounded like a fast-food drive-thru system.
First, the timeline for a strong recovery will be determined by the virus and the behaviors of Nevadans. The reopening of Nevada will happen the same way the State was closed down – in phases and following the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and medical experts.
Secondly, we must all work to ensure our response efforts encompass access for all at-risk populations, including older individuals, lower income Nevadans, tribal communities, racial and ethnic minorities, and our Veterans.
Finally, the State’s management of the recovery and reopening process must remain flexible at all times, with ongoing monitoring of local and statewide data reporting and analysis. The State must maintain the ability to track warning signs in order to prevent an avoidable spread of the virus through aggressive intervention.
Here’s a summary of new guidelines that go into effect Friday:
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All retail businesses will be allowed to operate under curbside commerce models, similar to curbside pickup currently allowed for restaurants and eateries
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This now includes curbside for retail cannabis dispensaries
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Drive-in services are now permitted for places of worship, as long as congregants stay in a vehicle and maintain at least 6 feet of social distance from people not in their household
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Relaxing restrictions on outdoor activities, including golf, pickleball, and tennis, as long as they do it safely and in a way that prevents the spread of COVID-19
“While Nevada has not yet met the reopening criteria, the decision to ease restrictions on certain retail operations a
In case you’re so inclined to check out the entire Sisolak plan, here you go.
Sisolak’s mention that it’s OK to play pickleball was a great boon for the pickleball industry because the Nevada governor gave free publicity to a sport that lots of people had never heard about. Well, now they know.
As for golf, Sisolak did draw some complaints from Nevadans who wanted to play golf on the public courses. Here’s the governor’s game plan for golf now:
What are the mandatory minimums of safety that golf courses should follow?:
Golf Carts and Equipment:
- Only one (1) person per golf cart except for those who reside in the same household
- Carts must be wiped down with disinfectant spray or wipes BEFORE and AFTER each round. This includes steering wheels, cart seats, arm rests, cart dashes, cup holders, gear shifts and cart keys.
- Pull carts and push carts must also be wiped down with disinfectant BEFORE and AFTER each round.
- Tees, towels, cart coolers, and bottled waters should be removed from carts.
- Sand bottles or scoops should be removed and golf course maintenance staff will need to address filling divots until further notice.
General Operations:
- Bag room areas will be cleaned and disinfected regularly.
- Pro Shops and clubhouses should be closed and locked. If pro shop is open for check-in there should not be any merchandise sales, and social distancing measures must be observed.
- Only take out food and beverages can be served – no in person dining.
- Driving Range hitting stations must be a minimum of six (6) feet apart.
Sisolak will discuss the coronavirus shutdown updates at a news conference later today when he presents what he’s calling, ” Nevada United: Roadmap to Recovery.” Here’s the latest COVID-19 numbers as of Wednesday evening:
In response to the governor’s plan, the city of Las Vegas released this statement:
The city of Las Vegas will now allow curbside pickup of retail items, packaged liquor and cannabis. The changes are related to the newest directive and guidance from the governor’s office for the loosening of restrictions on nonessential retail businesses, as well as reopening certain outdoor recreation opportunities.
Beginning Friday, the city will issue free permits for the city’s package liquor and marijuana dispensary licensees that will allow these businesses to offer curbside operations under the governor’s latest direction. City staff will reach out to these businesses to let them know of the changes and be on hand throughout the weekend to help businesses with any questions they have on the curbside operating requirements. More information on the guidelines and new permits can be found on the city’s website at http://lasvegasnevada.gov/
Outdoor tennis and pickleball at city courts will also resume at 5:30 a.m. tomorrow at the following locations until parks close at 11 p.m.:
- Aloha Shores Park
- Angel Park
- Bill Briare Park
- Bob Baskin Park
- Bruce Trent Park
- Children’s Memorial Park
- Durango Hills Park
- Garehime Heights Park
- Lorenzi Park
- Mountain Ridge
- Patriot Park
- Police Memorial Park
- Raphael Rivera Park
- Sunny Springs Park
- Wayne Bunker Park
- Wildwood Park
Several golf courses and tennis facilities located on city-owned property are operated by a third party. Tennis facilities include the Amanda and Stacy Darling Tennis Center, No Quit Tennis Academy located at Lorenzi Park, and All American Tennis Club at All-American Park. Golf courses include Angel Park Golf Club, Desert Pines Golf Club, Durango Hills Golf Club and Las Vegas Golf Club. For information on those facilities, residents should contact them directly.
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