Douglas County Commission OKs May 1 reopening plan
MINDEN — The Douglas County Board of County Commissioners passed a proposed reopening plan on Thursday, April 15, 2021. The next step is submitting the plan to the Nevada COVID Task Force, where it is scheduled to be reviewed on Thursday, April 22, 2021.
The reopening plan titled, “Moving Forward — Douglas County’s Plan for COVID-19 Recovery” outlines how Douglas County is opening within the guidelines of the State’s Emergency Directives. A full version of the plan can be found on the Douglas County website here.
If approved by the State COVID Task Force, the plan becomes effective on May 1, 2021. Action from the County Commission clears the path for resumption of 100% occupancy for businesses and other activities unless they are governed by a licensing board such as the Nevada Gaming Control Board or the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology. Events, and large gatherings will not require local government approval of COVID plans. There will be no change in the current enforcement measures by the County.
Douglas County will continue to participate with the other Quad Counties to support Carson City Health and Human Services public health efforts including testing, vaccinations, and public information.
“Douglas County will continue to push for reopening of our businesses within the limits of the law,” said Douglas County Manager Patrick Cates. “During the transition to local control, it is important to note the State directive on masks will continue to be enforced in businesses by OSHA and other state boards and can be cited and fined for non-compliance. This is not coming from Douglas County. We ask all residents to be mindful of the impact on our businesses for ignoring this directive.”
The Board of County Commissioners also approved a resolution calling upon the Nevada Legislature to exercise their authority to limit the power of the Governor to declare a state of emergency without legislative oversight. The intent is to change Nevada law so that no Governor in the future can exercise broad emergency powers for an extended time period as seen with Governor Sisolak’s COVID-19 declaration of emergency.