It allowed for the reopening of state parks and businesses such as bars, gyms, and movie theaters. A second phase went into effect on May 29, 2020. Restaurants and retailers were among the businesses allowed to reopen, but with precautions in place, such as limiting occupancy to 50 percent. Nevada launched the first phase of its reopening on May 9, 2020. Goodman was widely criticized after suggesting that Las Vegas become a control group to test the effectiveness of social distancing.

Las Vegas mayor Carolyn Goodman was also critical of the shutdown and its length, urging Sisolak to reopen the state. Various protests were held against Sisolak's shutdown order beginning in April 2020. The moratorium would be extended several times over the next year. At the end of March 2020, Sisolak announced a 90-day moratorium on evictions and foreclosures for commercial and residential tenants. Grocery stores were among the businesses considered essential, and restaurants were allowed to provide drive-thru, takeout, and delivery services. On March 17, 2020, Sisolak ordered the closure of non-essential businesses in the state, to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Four days later, Nevada reported its first death. Because of concerns about coronavirus disease 2019 ( COVID-19), Nevada governor Steve Sisolak declared a state of emergency on March 12, 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic was confirmed to have reached the U.S.

Closed casinos in reno nevada