Safety first

If you’re reading this right now, chances are you might have changed your mind about spending the evening at one of Reno’s many bars, clubs or other watering holes—even if you still have the option. On Monday, March 16, Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve announced a temporary mandatory closure of all bars and restaurants until at least April 5, beginning Friday, March 20.

“No one wants to make the hard decision,” Schieve said. “It’s hard. This was the hardest thing I’ve done in my life.”

Much of Nevada’s economy is dependent upon the leisure, tourism and hospitality sectors, which is especially true in Las Vegas, where it was announced this week that casinos on the Strip would close for the first time in 60 years. In our Northern Nevadan community, the cost of these preventative measures can be seen most clearly in the anxiety of our local businesses, and national headlines about economic decline read differently when they suddenly seem to refer to our friends and family directly.

We at the RN&R have grappled with how best to keep our readers informed of the threat posed by the coronavirus pandemic, while continuing to support the local businesses that comprise our community. Specifically, the spirit of our final Nightlife Guide, which highlights local bars and clubs where Renoites would usually gather en masse, is directly opposed to the current best practices for staying healthy as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other official agencies. Namely: stay home.

However, quarantine and isolation is, unfortunately, still a luxury that many working Americans can’t afford in the absence of a clear bill for financial relief from Congress, and, until that time, our own restaurants, dives bars, night clubs and lounges will continue to suffer. As such, we decided to publish this guide hoping to give the businesses and people featured in these pages the exposure they would receive normally, and deservedly.

As worrying as current events have been, we believe that, eventually, the nation will able to return to the pastimes and traditions we cherish (like bumping shoulders with strangers at a packed bar, sets from local bands at crowded venues, or 2-for-1 drink deals). At that time, we hope our readers will call these stories to mind, but until then—and for as long as you’re able—adhere to these official social distancing and hygiene recommendations from the CDC while patronizing our local establishments.

Take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick

Stock up on supplies.

Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others. The current recommendation is at least six feet.

When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often.

Avoid crowds as much as possible.

Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel.

During a COVID-19 outbreak in your community, stay home as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed.

Have supplies on hand

Contact your health care provider to ask about obtaining extra necessary medications to have on hand in case there is an outbreak of COVID-19 in the community and you need to stay home for a prolonged period of time.

If you cannot get extra medications, consider using mail-order for medications.

Be sure you have over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies (tissues, etc.) to treat fever and other symptoms. Most people will be able to recover from COVID-19 at home.

Have enough household items and groceries on hand so that you will be prepared to stay at home for a period of time.

Take everyday preventive actions:

Clean your hands often.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing—or having been in a public place.

If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.

To what extent it’s possible, avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places—elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, handshaking with people, etc. Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or finger if you must touch something.

Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, etc.

Clean and disinfect your home to remove germs. Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (for example: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks and cell phones).

Avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Your risk of exposure to respiratory viruses like COVID-19 may increase in crowded, closed-in settings with little air circulation if there are people in the crowd who are sick.

Avoid all non-essential travel, including plane trips—and especially avoid embarking on cruise ships.