LAS VEGAS (AP) – Democratic Governor Steve Sisolak signed an emergency order adjusting the minimum distance between the artists and the public that previously challenged the return of productions in Las Vegas.
The tourist destination built for excess and known for bright lights, large crowds, indulgent meals and headline shows slowly began to reopen after the pandemic stopped business in March. Business, especially on the Strip, was experiencing difficulties due to limited air travel, the lack of business for midweek conventions and the absence of arena events and entertainment options.
Previously, artists were required to maintain 25 feet (7.6 meters) of space between the audience as a precaution against the coronavirus. But some smaller locations could not accommodate this restriction.
Sisolak signed the new emergency directive on Friday, updating the minimum distance to 6 feet (1.8 meters) if the artists are wearing masks and 12 feet (3.6 meters) when the artists are unmasked.
The order takes effect immediately and applies to all entertainments and live performances in all sizes of meetings and public events.
“This is incredible news,” said Angela Stabile, co-founder of Stabile Productions, Inc., which operates three different shows at Harrah’s Las Vegas Hotel and Casino and Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. “It was an extreme orientation to start. This is another step in the right direction. “
Other shows, including “The Australian Bee Gees Show” at Excalibur Hotel & Casino, David Copperfield at MGM Grand Las Vegas Hotel & Casino and Terry Fator at New York-New York Hotel & Casino were planning to resume presentations this month, Las Vegas Sun reported. Now, productions in smaller locations are also planning to reopen due to the new guidelines.
Nevada on Saturday reported 500 additional confirmed COVID-19 cases and 16 deaths, bringing the state’s pandemic totals to 295,960 cases and 5,036 deaths.
The number of infections is believed to be much higher than reported because many people have not been tested and studies suggest that people can be infected with the virus without feeling bad.