The number of COVID-19 cases in Nevada – and Las Vegas in particular – is rising rapidly due to the spread of the highly transmittable Delta variant. Due to the current conditions, officials in other states and metropolitan areas are now warning residents to avoid traveling to Las Vegas and Nevada.
COVID-19 in Las Vegas
The entire state of Nevada is listed as a “High Transmission State” according to the White House Community Profile Report. In addition, Clark County, home of Las Vegas, was listed as an “area of concern” and a “sustainable hotspot” for coronavirus transmission.
The daily average of new COVID-19 cases in Nevada is 897, which is up 26 percent in the past 14 days, according to The New York Times. Clark County continues to fuel the growing numbers. In fact, nearly 88 percent of the new COVID-19 cases in Nevada are in that county, reports 8 News Now (Las Vegas).
It should also be noted that 44 percent of Nevadans are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, however, in Clark County, 41 percent of residents are vaccinated.
Kauai, Hawaii
To prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Kauai, Hawaii, the Mayor of Kauai is now publicly warning against traveling to Las Vegas due to the high infection rates. “I know that Las Vegas is a popular travel destination, but there are significant risks involved,” Mayor Derek Kawakami said at a press conference, reports KITV Island News.
Las Vegas “carries significant risks,” warns the Kauai Department of Health.
“Most of the popular activities are indoors and can be crowded. In addition, visitors stay indoors for long periods of time and mingle with others from across the country, ”read a statement from the Ministry of Health. “Masks are not required. The result is a setup for the spread of COVID-19. “
Hawaii’s Lieutenant Governor Josh Green goes one step further and says, “If you are not vaccinated, you will come back with COVID,” reports Khon2 (Honolulu). “You will give it to your children and you will give it to your wife. This whole thing about ‘what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas’ doesn’t apply to COVID-19. “
The angel
Although California is still considered a “moderate” transmission rate in the community, Los Angeles County’s top health officer is now recommending residents reconsider travel to Nevada and other states where COVID-19 rates are rising.
Speaking to the Los Angeles County Board of Directors, LA County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis, a “worrying” number of new cases in Clark County, Nevada and other states.
“I would like to recommend – especially if you are not vaccinated – that you reconsider traveling to places where the seven-day COVID-19 case rates are getting higher, like our neighbor Nevada, but also Missouri, Florida, Arkansas, Louisiana and others.” Dr. Davis said, reports the Los Angeles Times.
Chicago
The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) recently added Nevada – but also Florida, Louisiana, and the U.S. Virgin Islands to its travel advice due to the growing number of COVID-19 cases.
Inclusion on the travel advice list means that unvaccinated individuals traveling from these states or territories are advised – but not required – to obtain a negative COVID-19 test result no later than 72 hours prior to their arrival in Chicago or to stay for a period of Quarantine 10 days arriving in town.
“We are well below our peaks, but these recent increases are worrying,” CDPH Commissioner Allison Arwady, MD, told a news conference. “But what we’ve been saying all along hasn’t changed: If you want to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community, get vaccinated.”
Know before you go
If you’re planning a visit to Las Vegas, keep in mind that the Southern Nevada Health District is now recommending everyone – vaccinated or not – wear a mask in crowded indoor public spaces. It should also be noted that while Clark County has issued a mask mandate for all employees in the county, the mandate does not apply to visitors.
