Carson City COVID-19 Transition Plan begins today, May 6, removes occupancy limits for businesses
Submitted by Kelsey Penrose on Thu, 05/06/2021 - 10:57am
Cities and townships throughout Nevada have now been allowed to create their own COVID-19 transition plans, and Carson City has followed suit with the Restore Carson City transition plan.
According to the plan, Carson City is “prepared to fully re-open without occupancy restrictions for all businesses, public gatherings, events and activities that are not subject to differing requirements imposed by a separate governing authority.”
Beginning today, May 6, there will be no more occupancy restrictions on businesses or community spaces within Carson City, with the exception of Medicinal and Recreational Cannabis Establishments, Gaming Floors and Casinos, Spas and Massage Therapy Establishments, Hair and Nail salons, and schools, which all must operate according to their various boards.
Businesses, places of worship and community spaces will be allowed to determine which recommended social distancing and hygiene requirements will meet their needs and those of the community.
Face masks are still required while in indoor public settings. This includes those individuals who are fully vaccinated, as the vaccination status of other people or whether they are at increased risk of COVID-19 is likely unknown, according to the reopening plan.
Additionally, all businesses and events will be required by the State to follow applicable directives issued by the Governor and those industries governed by State Agencies must operate in accordance with the requirements of the appropriate board.
While this past week 35 percent of Quad-County COVID-19 cases were from Carson City residents, the test positivity rate for Carson City is down almost 4 percent from April. According to Carson City Health and Human Services’ (CCHHS) Nikki Aaker, the current test positivity rate in Carson City is at 7.4 percent, while the high in April was 11.7 percent.
Exposure is occurring in the community and within households at 20 percent and 24 percent, respectively.
Carson City is above state-wide vaccination numbers with 52.86 percent of those aged 16 and over having initiated their vaccine (received one dose) while 40.39 have completed their vaccination process.
According to Jeanne Freeman, CCHHS Public Health Preparedness Manager, CCHHS will not require verification from anyone who wants to get vaccinated on where they live, on whether they are a Carson City, Quad-County, or even Nevada resident.
“If you want to be vaccinated, you’ll be vaccinated,” said Freeman.
Freeman also stated that for those who are citizens of another country and have yet to receive their U.S. Citizenship, CCHHS will never ask for any information regarding citizenship.
Nearly 52,000 doses have been completed by CCHHS staff, said Freeman, which is a feat in and of itself.
“If you want to get rid of the masks, help us some more by getting your vaccinations,” said Mayor Lori Bagwell.
To help with re-opening efforts, Carson City has established a COVID Education and Compliance Program and hired a COVID Education and Compliance Coordinator. As Carson City re-opens, the plan states, the Coordinator will continue to educate businesses on applicable directives issued by the Governor, work in consultation with OSHA and the Nevada Department of Business and Industry, and promote availability of PPE and sanitation supplies.
To learn more about the reopening plan, you can read it in its entirety here.
