Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Deputy Chief Kelly McMahill was joined by public officials at a news conference today to discuss preparations for the upcoming New Year’s Eve celebrations that have been scaled down in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
McMahill, along with Clark County Commissioner Michael Naft, Councilwoman Michele Fiore, Clark County Deputy Fire Chief Warren Whitney, and Switch Sr. Vice President Betsy Fretwell discussed preparations to ensure partiers have a safe New Year’s Eve celebration.
The press event focused on reinforcing responsible behavior of celebrants to avoid an increase of hospitalizations after the holiday.
LVMPD, in cooperation with other agencies and community partners, has worked for months preparing for New Year’s Eve and adjusting this year’s festivities to keep the public safe. One major change this year is the cancellation of fireworks show on the Las Vegas Strip.
The press event was held at the Switch Innevation Center. The location will serve as the command center for first responders and other agencies on New Year’s Eve. The state-of-the-art facility holds technology infrastructure that allows law enforcement and public safety to monitor the event, focus on safety and communicate with the media.
- Freeway off-ramps to the Las Vegas Strip will begin closing at 5 p.m. Roads will begin closing on the Strip at approximately 6:30 p.m. Large vehicles used to block off major intersections around the Strip and downtown.
- Residents and visitors who will be attending the celebrations must adhere to wearing a mask and the physical distancing restrictions mandated by the governor.
- Glass bottles, backpacks, or strollers ARE PROHIBITED on the Strip as per county ordinance.
- Police will respond to any incidents involving illegal parties at rental properties.
The public is reminded to call 911 and report anything that doesn’t look right or looks suspicious. Information about items prohibited during the celebration can be found by clicking on this link: https://www.lvmpd.com/en-us/Pages/TouristSafety/TouristSafety-OrdinancesandLaws.aspx