LAS VEGAS– As Executive Trade Show Magazine gathered at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas for Off the Record, a thought-provoking event he sponsored, the room erupted into cheers when it was announced that Nevada Gov. 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, remained diligent, and protected each other over the past two years, from the bottom of my heart, thank you,” Gov. Sisolak said in a statement.
“The lifting of the mask mandate is positive because it shows that we are seeing the pandemic recede and become endemic, with most people looking to return to some form of normalcy,” said Gary Shapiro, CTA President and CEO. “This is good for meetings and events because we communicate better in person and can see facial expressions and mouths forming words (especially in noisy environments and for those who are hard of hearing). But we can’t be complacent because we know some people will avoid group settings without masks. And as an industry, we need to adopt healthy strategies at our events, including taking steps to reduce transmission of the virus.”
In Nevada, the decision was made after working with a medical advisory team to analyze data, a rapid decline in cases and greater availability of testing.
While masks are no longer required indoors, they are still required at federal facilities, including Harry Reid International Airport, as well as on airplanes and public transportation.
It is up to the show organizer to decide whether they want their show attendees 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,” said Brian Yost, LVCC Chief Operating Officer. “The health and safety of our show organizers, exhibitors and attendees remains our utmost concern.”
Related. Omicron must not cause panic
This news comes as the rise in Omicron cases and deaths from the disease continue to decline. Nevada is not the only state easing restrictions.
New York state lifted its mask or vaccine mandate on February 10, and California will lift its indoor mask mandate on February 15.
For a full list of states that have lifted mask mandates, click here.
Contact Brian Yost at (702) 892-0711 or [email protected]