Nevada gambling officials have imposed a new regulation requiring casino patrons to use facial coverings at gaming tables where no acrylic glass partitions exist, a change following an increase of novel coronavirus infections two weeks after the establishments were allowed to reopen.
Casinos "must require patrons to wear face coverings at table and card games if there is no barrier, partition, or shield between the dealer and each player," the Nevada Gaming Control Board said Wednesday, according to industry website CalvinAyre.com.
The requirement also applies to spectators and anyone else within 6 feet of the gaming position.
It also required casinos to offer masks to all guests at the entrances, although not require anyone wear them for use of things such as the slot machines, and post notifications throughout the building to alert customers that face coverings are available, CNBC reported.
The new orders came a day after Clark County, where Las Vegas is located, noted its largest daily increase in cases, 342.
Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak ordered the statewide shutdown of all casinos March 18 to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. They were allowed to reopen June 4.
Both CalvinAyre and CNBC offered anecdotal evidence that suggested it was unlikely gamblers would voluntarily wear face coverings.
CNBC referred to pictures and videos that people posted on social media on the opening weekend showing the vast majority of guests opted against wearing masks.
Some casinos which reopened took their own precautionary measures, such as the Sahara in Las Vegas, taking reservations up to 72 hours in advance for groups of players who wish to play blackjack, roulette, and baccarat without having to share tables with unfamiliar guests.
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