LAS VEGAS – As Trade Show Executive Magazine gathered at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas for Off the Record, a thought-leader event it sponsored, the room became jubilant when it was announced Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak was lifting the state’s indoor mask mandate, effective immediately.
“To the Nevadans and travelers who have done the right thing, gotten vaccinated, stayed diligent and protected each other for the last two years, from the bottom of my heart, thank you,” Governor Sisolak said in a statement.
“The lifting of mask mandates is positive in that it shows we are seeing the pandemic receding and becoming endemic with most people wanting to return to some type of normalcy,” CTA President & CEO Gary Shapiro said. “It is good for meetings and events as we communicate better in person and when we can see facial expressions and mouths forming words (especially in loud environments and for the hearing impaired). But we can’t be complacent as we know some people will avoid group unmasked environments. And as an industry, we need to adopt healthy strategies at our events, including taking steps to reduce virus transmission.”
In Nevada, the decision came after working with a medical advisory team to analyze data, a rapid decline in case numbers and broader testing availability.
Although masks will no longer be required indoors, they are still required inside federal facilities including Harry Reid International Airport, and on airplanes and public transportation.
It remains at the discretion of the trade show organizer if he or she would like attendees of their shows to wear masks inside the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC).
“Our employees will continue to support any additional protocols you put in place for your show,” Brian Yost, Chief Operating Officer, LVCC, said. “The health and safety of our trade show organizers, exhibitors and attendees remain our utmost concern.”
Related. Omicron Shouldn’t Lead to Panic
This news came as the Omicron surge and related deaths continue to decline. Nevada isn’t the only state relaxing its restrictions.
New York eliminated its mask-or-vaccine requirement on Feb. 10 and California will remove its indoor mask mandates Feb. 15.
For a comprehensive list of states that have lifted mask mandates, click here.
Reach Brian Yost at (702) 892-0711 or byost@lvcva.com
