LAS VEGAS (AP) - One in four bars, stores, gyms and salons in and around Las Vegas were found not complying with Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak’s order for people to use face coverings in public places to stem the spread of the coronavirus, state officials said Thursday.
Mask mandate compliance has been about 80% statewide since the governor’s order took effect June 26, according to the state Occupational Safety and Health Administration. That rate was determined after officials made about 650 site visits.
On Wednesday, OSHA went to nearly 350 places statewide. It said southern Nevada sites had a 75% compliance rate and northern Nevada businesses came in at 84%.
Agency officials did not immediately say whether any fines have been issued to non-compliant businesses.
Written warnings and follow-up visits can lead to no action if compliance improves, or citations and penalties of up to $135,000 if an employer is found in willful violation.
Businesses are required to provide masks for use by employees serving the public or preparing and packaging food.
Customers, patrons, patients and clients also are required to wear masks.
OSHA said inspectors visited gambling establishments, automobile sales and maintenance shops, grocery, clothing and home improvement stores, and other places where groups of people may congregate and spread COVID-19.
Nevada officials on Thursday reported 14 more deaths from COVID-19, most of which appeared to have happened late last week and early this this week. The state also had 632 new reported cases of people testing positive for the virus Thursday.
Overall, 525 people have died from COVID-19 in Nevada and more than 19,700 have tested positive for the virus.
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