EXCLUSIVE: News 3 captures massive 4th of July desert rave, no COVID-19 safety compliance
LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Governor Steve Sisolak warned businesses heading into the holiday weekend to comply with the state's health standards, while begging residents not to meet up in big groups.
But as News 3 found out, masks and social distancing were not part of the celebration last night into the Las Vegas desert.
As firework shows happened across the valley, miles tucked in the isolated desert of North Las Vegas, a more clandestine celebration was underway.
And COVID-19 noncompliance was caught on camera.
News 3 received a tip that a desert rave was planned for the Fourth of July. Confirmation was found online.
Of the many Facebook and Instagram posts about the rave, there was no mention of COVID-19 Safety Guidelines. Instead, advertisements promising a "multi-stage event" with a link to tickets.
Once purchased online, the secret location of the event was revealed, directing attendees to keep it all under wraps.
News 3 arrived to find a crowd of hundreds dancing.
While observing from a safe distance, no one appeared to be wearing masks, nor practicing social distancing, despite directions from the Governor and Health Professionals.
We attempted to reach out to the company branding itself as the event sponsor, "Malum Geminos" to ask what--if any--Coronavirus safety precautions were required of ravers.
Online inquiries went unanswered and no state business license for Malum Geminos could be found.
Meanwhile, after the rave, social media was buzzing with videos and pictures documenting the event.
We showed these videos to Dr. Christina Madison, a local public health expert and Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice with Roseman University of Health Sciences.
She said she didn't like what she saw, especially when COVID-19 cases are rising in Nevada.
"Try not to do these large gatherings — it's a super-spreader event just waiting to happen," she said. "Please, please, take responsibility for yourself. Do not spread this to others. Do not fill up our ERs. And Our ICUs. And get people to the point where they have to require a ventilator. Please, I'm begging you."
Dr. Madison also urged anyone at the rave to get tested for COVID-19, and to remain isolated from at-risk populations for at least 14 days.
