LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — No fireworks or big parties on New Year’s Eve will not be stopping some visitors from other states coming to Las Vegas. Even with COVID-19 cases in Clark County being among the highest in the country.
It won’t be too long before the Strip replaces traffic with New Year’s Eve revelers. It’s a tradition well known across the country.
“It’s still an amazing experience being in Vegas.”
Charlie Blatz and Sinead Clark traveled from northern California. They’re happy to get away from their state’s COVID-19 restrictions.
“So far it’s been fun. The shops are awesome and things are open,” Clark said.
While they plan to stay through the week, it’s still up in the air exactly how many people will show up for New Year’s Eve this year.
The Las Vegas and Convention Authroty and McCarran International Airport aren’t forecasting numbers and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Departent says it expects people to still come but didn’t give an estimate either.
LVCVA estimated about 307,000 people arrived for New Year’s Eve last year.
It also comes at a time when COVID-19 cases are rising in Clark County. As of Tuesday, numbers from Johns Hopkins University shows it has more than 165,000 -- ranking 9th in the country.
However, doctors point out Clark County’s number is sandwiched between counties in Southern California where many visitors are coming from.
“It’s just a quick few hours’ drive from LA to Vegas and we saw that in particular for the Thanksgiving Day holiday.”
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Dr. Christina Madison with Roseman University says it’s a personal choice whether people decide to travel for the holidays. She says there are ways for them to stay safe.
“Limit your time in areas where there are indoor gatherings. Limit the number of people that you’re around. Stay with the individuals that you chose to travel with,” she said.
Blatz says he’s well aware of the COVID-19 risk and is doing everything he can to stay safe.
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“You still have time to have fun and enjoy life and even though we have COVID, as long as you’re aware of your surroundings, everything will be fine,” he said.
Doctors are also recommending people when they return home to get tested, just in case.
