Topless clubs among businesses that can reopen in Vegas

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Topless dancers can shed coronavirus restrictions next weekend in Las Vegas and get face-to-face with patrons again, under rules accepted Thursday by a state COVID-19 task force.

But masks still will be required for adult entertainment employees and recommended for customers.

Sin City strip clubs that went dark when Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak ordered casinos, clubs and nonessential businesses closed in March 2020 will be able to open May 1 at 80% of fire code capacity under strict social distancing guidelines.

The rules will allow strip club entertainers to get closer than 3 feet (0.9 meters) to patrons if the entertainer received at least a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days earlier, according to county rules, or if the dancer tests negative in a weekly COVID-19 test.

Occupancy limits will be relaxed but not lifted completely at many other businesses — stores, spas and saunas, restaurants and bars, even karaoke clubs — under a reopening plan adopted Tuesday by county officials and summarized Thursday by Deputy Clark County Fire Chief Billy Samuels.

Hair and nail salons, tattoo parlors and massage therapists will be able to book customers by appointment only.

A separate plan to lift restrictions almost completely in Washoe County skidded to a stop after health district, school and Reno city officials protested and pointed to rising local coronavirus case numbers.

Existing rules including 50% capacity and 6-foot (1.8-meter) social distancing will remain in effect.

As of Thursday, the coronavirus pandemic has claimed 5,400 lives in Nevada and badly hurt an economy dependent on tourism, conventions, hotel bookings and big crowds. It has also shuttered businesses and threatened the livelihood of bartenders, waiters, entertainers and...