Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak (D) put some new COVID-19 restrictions on statewide businesses, but he refuses to shutdown the state's economy. The latter is some good news for poker players in Reno and Las Vegas. But the governor's new coronavirus guidelines aren't necessarily beneficial to the live poker scene.
Much like many other states in the U.S., the Silver State is struggling to slow the spread of COVID-19. Even the governor has recently contracted the virus, although he's asymptomatic. With tourists flocking to the Las Vegas casinos since they reopened at the beginning of June, coronavirus cases have steadily been on the rise.
On November 21, the state reported over 2,500 new cases of COVID-19, a daily record. The next day (Sunday), Nevada surpassed 2,000 cases yet again. That's an extremely high amount for a state with a population of just over 3 million. Nevada, as the governor said in his address to the state on Sunday evening, now has more than 2,000 coronavirus-related deaths. And likely more victims have contracted the virus while on vacation in Las Vegas but have been counted in stats for the state they reside.
Two weeks ago, Sisolak issued a warning to his residents: either shape up and flatten the curve or he will impose new restrictions. Nevada's COVID-19 cases continued on an upward trajectory. As a result, the Democratic politician felt it was necessary to make some changes that likely won't sit well with some poker players.
