Before You Go: Las Vegas Mask Mandates
After the New Year, Las Vegas and Clark County continue to enforce mask mandates in public indoor settings, including restaurants, bars, resorts, and casinos. Many local businesses may request proof of vaccination, further complicating your Las Vegas travel plans.
At 8-ball Bail Bonds, we want to give you the information you need to enjoy yourself and not be arrested while visiting Las Vegas.
Differences between a Mandate/ Directive and a Law
Mandates are meant to be implemented quickly for specific situations where time appears to be a significant factor, while a law is a longstanding rule that is much harder to create but remains in place much longer.
A federal mandate is an order for those who work within the federal government’s jurisdiction. It is implemented in special times of crisis or an unexpected turn of events and dismissed when the crisis is over.
An example of a federal mandate would be Section 361 of the Public Health Service Act (PHSA), which is a broad and flexible provision which gives the authority to make and enforce regulations “to prevent the introduction, transmission, or spread of communicable diseases from foreign countries into the States or possessions, or from one State or possession into any other State or possession.”
Unlike mandates, before laws can be enacted, they must be vetted in a long and arduous process. This process may take a week or even several years, depending upon the political atmosphere of those voting on it.
There are currently no laws in existence that address the use of masks for public health concerns.
Even though there is a stark contrast between mandates and laws, the enforcement of each is related. Violations and ongoing noncompliance of an establishment’s policies may result in police involvement, where an arrest being made is for violations of private property laws.
Current Restrictions in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is currently under a state face mask mandate, which is dictated by the COVID-19 metrics from the CDC. Emergency Directive 045 requires all individuals to wear a mask in a public indoor setting with “substantial or high transmission of COVID-19.” For the mask mandate to be lifted, there must be a seven-day average test positivity rate of under 8% and case rates of less than 50 per 100,000 population over two weeks.
Some establishments may require proof of vaccination, denying entry to those who do not, citing Gov. Steve Sisolak’s amendments to the mandate made in August.
UNLV basketball and Las Vegas Raiders fans will find that fully vaccinated fans are not required to wear masks, while partially vaccinated fans are ordered to wear one. Unvaccinated fans are denied entry altogether. However, the Vegas Golden Knights welcome unvaccinated fans, requiring all fans to wear masks regardless of vaccination status.
Music festivals and tradeshows are likely to require proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours.
Be sure to check on the Las Vegas Coronavirus update page about the latest COVID-19 policies.
Results of Noncompliance
Understandably, the lack of congruent guidance regarding mask mandates and vaccine requirements can become frustrating for many Las Vegas patrons. There are many reasons visitors may opt for noncompliance, citing valid medical or political reasons. While noncompliance is not usually an arrestable offence, we understand how this situation can quickly escalate.
Once police or casino security is involved, noncompliance of any kind can quickly become disorderly conduct, trespassing, and/or resisting arrest, depending on your behavior, for better or for worse.
Before finalizing any Las Vegas visit plans, be sure to learn about local mask mandates and COVID-19 restrictions.
If you or someone you know is arrested for reasons associated with the County Mask directive or Local COVID restrictions, please contact us at 8-ball Bail Bonds.
