Law enforcement steps up patrols as businesses close
The City of Reno announced late today how it will enforce business closures in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The city is requesting businesses voluntarily comply.
“The City of Reno has no desire to take enforcement action on businesses,” said spokesperson Matt Brown. “However, under the authority provided in NRS 414 and RMC Chapters 4.04 and 8.34, the City can enforce the Governor’s order through multiple actions.”
The Nevada Health Response COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Initiative was issued as guidance by Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak, and all non-essential businesses have been ordered to temporarily close to the public, effective today, for 30 days, the city wrote in a media statement.
Those businesses are identified as:
- Entertainment & hospitality, including but not limited to strip clubs and brothels, casinos, concert venues, arenas, auditoriums, stadiums, large conference rooms, meeting halls, and cafeterias
- Recreation and athletic facilities, including but not limited to community and recreation centers, gyms, health clubs, fitness centers, yoga, barre and spin facilities
- Beauty and personal care services and facilities, including but not limited to barber shops, beauty, tanning, waxing hair salons, and nail salons and spas
- Retail facilities, including shopping malls except for pharmacy or other health care facilities within retail operations. Retailers are encouraged to continue online operations with pickup and delivery.
“Licensed cannabis stories and medical dispensaries should only remain open if employees and consumers strictly adhere to the social distancing protocols,” the state document indicates. “The Nevada Health Response Center is encouraging consumers to use delivery services and not congregate in stores.”
Essential services and sectors are covered in the Nevada Health Response COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Initiative.
Those include:
- citations up to $1,000 per day
- misdemeanor citations
- summary suspension of a business license
- revocation of a business license
Enforcement action may be taken against owners or employees in control of the business. The city’s Enforcement of Initiative notice has more information.
In the wake of business closures, Sparks, Reno and Washoe County law enforcement are stepping up patrols to protect businesses and prevent looting, Sheriff Darin Balaam said today at a press conference. Watch the complete video below.
