From the start, I’ve been clear about my goal: mitigate the spread of #COVID19 to save lives & protect our health care system from being overwhelmed, which could lead to disastrous results. What the data shows is that strict social distancing is the only way to beat this virus.

There are lessons we’ve learned from other states—some have allowed religious services to continue without restriction, which has been followed by a spike in new infections. We can’t let that happen in NV. And our businesses can do a better implementing social distancing.

We know that essential businesses can do better, too.

And while I encourage outdoor activity as much as possible, some activities have unnecessarily become high-risk due to people circumventing the intent of our social distancing directives.

That’s why, today, I signed a directive to further limit social distancing in a variety of contexts:

(1) sporting & rec venues like golf courses, basketball courts, & swimming pools must close;

You can shoot hoops on your own basket — this is about publicly accessible venues.

(2) showrooms at essential businesses that are used to display goods for sale like household appliances should close to the public;

You can still have these items delivered to your home, but showrooms encourage customers to wander and touch goods, which could spread the virus.

(3) operating businesses must provide adequate protections for their workers & adopt sanitation protocols that minimize risk of spread;

This is a common-sense measure to ensure businesses are operating safely.

(4) open house showings of real estate, & showings of tenant-occupied homes, are prohibited;

You can buy & sell a home & digital showing methods are encouraged. Appointment showings OK but must adhere to social distancing standards. TY to Realtors Ass. of NV for helping craft.

(5) licensed barbers & stylists are prohibited from offering in-home beauty services other than to those in household;

Barbers & hair stylists are not essential. Going to someone’s home doesn’t change that fact. I haven’t had a haircut in over 6 weeks. I’ve adjusted. So can you.

(6) I am prohibiting grocery stores from offering self-serve food stations, salad bars, & other unpackaged bulk dry goods to customers;

“Bulk dry good” includes nuts, seeds, candy, & coffee that are sold by the scoop in bins.

@NVHealthRespon1 will be releasing further guidance.

Finally, after a lot of thoughtful discussion & guidance from my Medical Advisory Team, my legal team, & faith leaders from across our State, I have decided to place new limitations on participation in in-person worship services. 1/4

This directive makes clear that places of worship are prohibited from holding in-person services with 10 or more people, incl. drive-in or pop-up services, for the duration of the State of Emergency. Religious leaders are encouraged to find alternatives to in-person service. 2/4

This was not an easy ask of Nevadans. I’ve attended Catholic services my entire life. I fully appreciate the power of in-person services. Hearing a sermon. Speaking with a pastor, rabbi, imam, or other religious leader. Being surrounded by a community of spiritual followers. 3/4

But we are living in unique times, & the science tells us that putting large numbers of people close together during a pandemic for any reason—religious, cultural, economic, or recreational—is an invitation for a disease to do its worst. We must #StayHomeForNevada 4/4