Nevada enacts new coronavirus legislation.
To boost Nevada's economy, Governor Steve Sisolak has signed a bill that shields most local businesses from Covid-19-related lawsuits. This move has earned support from influential political voices, including the tourism and gambling industries. But what does the Culinary Union think about it?
Nevada fighting for survival
Nevada has enacted a new Covid-19 liability law, which offers legal protection to many businesses except for schools and health services. The law, Senate Bill 4, covers businesses operating in Nevada's hospitality and leisure market, including all casinos, as long as they follow the Corona Protection Ordinance. This includes mask requirements in Las Vegas.
The governor clarified that this law is not about economic growth, but the survival of Nevada, which heavily relies on its hospitality industry. It serves as a tool to tackle the unprecedented challenges the state faces.
Governor Sisolak also emphasized that the law will only apply if the protective regulations are adhered to. It's not just about shielding businesses, but ensuring workers' safety as well. The law, therefore, requires establishments to create and follow virus prevention plans.
Governor's warning to casino operators
Considering this, Sisolak cautioned casino operators to abide by the guidelines. They must encourage employees and guests to adhere to social distancing rules (1.5 meters apart). Casinos must also set up disinfection stations and install Plexiglas screens between gaming tables and machines. Furthermore, high-contact surfaces like doors, gaming screens, ATMs, tables, bars, and menus should be kept clean at all times.
The protection provided by the law will vanish if companies fail to comply with government measures. The law offers no protection for those businesses that neglect to safeguard their employees, customers, and visitors.
Lawsuit filed by Culinary Union
Recently, Nevada's largest labor union, the Culinary Union, filed a lawsuit against Las Vegas casinos. The union claimed that many employees have faced hazardous working conditions since the reopening in June. The lawsuit targets the inadequate health and safety protocols provided by the companies, leaving workers exposed.
Specifically, the lawsuit, filed in the name of an employee's daughter, revolves around casinos' response to a positive Covid-19 test among employees. The closure of gaming facilities, failure to promptly inform other employees, and the lack of quarantine procedures make these measures inadequate and dangerous. The catalyst for the lawsuit was the death of a Caesars employee shortly after reopening.
Support from the AGA
The strict regulations are not coincidental. This litigation arises from the union's previous call for the draft to be developed. The Culinary Union, which represents over 60,000 employees in Nevada, welcomed the legislation. Sisolak added that the association had requested the law's development in advance.
The liability protection is also backed by the AGA (American Gaming Association). Bill Miller, the AGA's President and CEO, praised the bill, asserting that it permits members to focus on their recovery. He said the bill eliminates the manifold lawsuits that could affect these businesses.
As capacity limitations and safety expenses already impact them, the bill will significantly reduce litigation costs. This positively affects tax revenues and job retention. Operators, fearing massive layoffs due to high losses, now have more security.
Hospitals left out
However, not everyone is in favor of the new bill. Criticism originates from the healthcare sector, which reports being completely overlooked by the law. According to NHA (Nevada Hospital Association) President Bill Welch, the bill fails to offer legal protection to hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Employees have been combating the virus's spread since March, but the draft ignores them completely. Hospitals are now appealing to the governor for emergency liability protection.
Read also:
- Remaining contenders down to two in DFB's struggle versus Brazil.
- Law enforcement agencies in various metropolises plan expansive measures for May 1.
- Berlin Transport Senator Schreiner Steps Down over Doctorate Issues
- The Next Development in the DAZN/DFL Billion Euro Controversy
Source: www.onlinecasinosdeutschland.com
