Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak ordered all non-essential businesses in the state to close by noon Wednesday, March 18.

In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, all retail establishments, bars, dine-in restaurants, hotels and beauty services are barred from opening for the next thirty days. 

The order also includes the state’s gaming industry, with all video-gaming and slot machines as well as casinos shut down before Wednesday.

The governor made the announcement during a press conference in Las Vegas, Tuesday evening.

When asked about the impact on the state’s economy, Sisolak told reporters his decision was imperative to protect the public’s health. 

“This is affecting the lives of our citizens,” an exasperated Sisolak exclaimed. “People are dying. Every day that we are delayed here, I’m losing a dozen people on the back-end that are going to die as a result of this.”

Essential services, like first responders and hospitals, will remain available. Businesses like urgent care facilities, pharmacies, airports, banks and mail service will also remain open. — CC

Editor’s Note: This article was originally reported by Paul Boger, a journalist for local public radio station KUNR.