Nevada governor lifts mask mandate

Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) on Thursday rescinded his state's mask mandate in light of promising COVID-19 metrics, with his decision going into effect immediately.

"We have seen a rapid decline in case numbers, coupled with declining hospitalizations, a drop in COVID-19 detected in wastewater, a broader availability of testing, and an increase in available treatments," Sisolak said in a press conference. "We reported our first Omicron case two months ago. Nevada recorded our single highest day of new cases on Jan. 10 with 7,865 cases. We're currently averaging around 1,280 cases per day."

"Given all of these updates and the tools we have, now is the appropriate time for me to announce that Nevada will rescind our mask mandate, effective immediately. While masks will no longer be required in public places, there are locations where you may still be asked to wear a mask," he added.

Nevada was among the few states to still maintain a statewide mask mandate, along with California, Oregon, Washington state and New Mexico. For most of the U.S., states have permitted individual county governments to decide whether or not to issue mask mandates, though some states like Texas, Florida and Arizona have passed legislation to ban them outright.

Masks may still be required in Nevada at facilities serving people who are at risk of developing severe cases of the coronavirus, such as hospitals and long-term care facilities. Due to federal orders, face masks will still be required at airports, public buses and school buses.

"Let me be clear, the state will no longer require masks in public places, but employers and organizations, including school districts, may set their own policies, and I encourage them to work with their employees and communities to ensure that policies are in place," Sisolak said.

According to the most recent data from the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, the state currently has a 14-day moving average of roughly 1,300 new daily COVID-19 cases and a 14-day average of 14 new deaths per day. Around 64 percent of Nevada's population is at least partially vaccinated.