Health officials in Hawaii are sending out an alert after residents traveled to Las Vegas before contracting COVID-19.
“This destination carries significant risks,” the Kaua’i District Health Department said in a press release on Wednesday.
Kaua’i County – which includes the islands of Kaua’i, Ni’ihau, Lehua, and Ka’ula – has a total of 494 confirmed cases. The 10 cases reported on Wednesday included nine residents and one visitor. The source of infection for five of these cases was related to mainland travel.
“Many cases are with residents who have traveled, and Las Vegas is a popular travel destination,” the district wrote in a press release.
Nevada has re-emerged as a COVID-19 hotspot as cases across the state rose 51.8% in the past week. Clark County – home of the Las Vegas Strip – accounts for nearly 78% of the state’s COVID-19 cases and has the highest incidence rate.
The increase affects Clark County’s commissioners in such a way that all employees who work indoors in a public space are required to wear masks. In a travel warning updated on Wednesday, the city of Chicago called for unvaccinated people traveling to Las Vegas to be quarantined for 10 days upon their return.
Kaua’i County officials described why Las Vegas is such a dangerous place to visit as the Delta variant spreads and people get sick.
“Most of the popular activities take place indoors and can be crowded,” said a press release. “Visitors stay indoors for extended periods of time and mingle with others from across the country. Masks are not required. The result is a facility for the spread of COVID-19.”
The Southern Nevada Health District last week recommended the wearing of masks for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals in crowded indoor public places. The district changed its mask policy after rising case numbers and hospital admissions for COVID-19, which is experiencing a resurgence due to the delta variant.
“If you are planning a trip, please get vaccinated before you leave,” Kaua’i County officials said in a press release. “And whether or not you are vaccinated, follow the prudent rules of Hawaii and wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces.”
Ed Komenda writes about Las Vegas for the Reno Gazette Journal and the USA Today Network. Is democracy important to you? Then support local journalism by subscribing to the Reno Gazette Journal right here.
