LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — As the COVID-19 case counts and the positivity rate continues to increase in our community, the Southern Nevada Health District is now recommending that both unvaccinated and vaccinated people wear masks in crowded indoor public places where they may have contact with others who are not fully vaccinated.
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Using masks correctly has proven to be effective in helping to prevent people from getting and spreading COVID-19.
“We never should have given it up in the first place. I am vaccinated but I have not given up wearing my mask, I have a 10-year-old granddaughter who is not vaccinated, so we're trying to protect her as well as even me,“ said Nancy Bernard, a concerned citizen.
With the rise in cases and slowing vaccine rates in Clark County, the Health District’s recommendation to wear masks in crowded public settings, including grocery stores, malls, large events, and casinos, is a step to fully utilize the tools we have available to stop the pandemic.
“It is a challenge to get people to follow on those things, but the problem with the changing guidance, we're doing that because the virus keeps changing," said Dr Brian Labus, an infectious disease epidemiologist.
"We have a different enemy now with the new Delta variant, so because the virus itself has changed, our recommendations have to change along with them,“ Dr. Labus explained.
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In addition to wearing face masks, the Health District and its partners continue to offer COVID-19 vaccines and testing throughout the community. Officials say the vaccine is the most important and effective step people can take to protect themselves and others from COVID-19.
Additionally, people who are sick should stay home and get tested if they have symptoms related to COVID-19.
People who are unvaccinated and have taken part in activities that put them at higher risk for COVID-19, such as traveling or attending mass gatherings should also get tested.
More information and resources, including vaccine clinics and testing sites, are available on the Health District website at snhd.info/covid.
.@SNHDinfo is recommending everyone wear masks in crowded indoor settings due to the increase in cases in Clark County.
— Governor Sisolak (@GovSisolak) July 16, 2021
I urge residents & visitors to take this seriously & follow the recommendation for the health of our community & State. https://t.co/dHScsaQVgi
