
2020 isn’t ending on as hoped for the people of Nevada. If the outbreak of the deadly virus COVID-19 wasn’t enough, the community spread is excellerating so fast in the state that one person is being diagnosed every minute. The suspected COVID-19 hospitalizations have reached an alarming level which hasn’t been seen since mid-August.
Experts create discourse on what’s called the ‘COVID fatigue,’ or growing tiredness with coronavirus health measures like mask-wearing and social distancing along with the cool fall weather, as primary drivers of the increase in cases. (Synder & Messerly, 2020)
The latest statistics from the state Department of Health and Human Services bring Nevada’s total cases since the beginning of the pandemic to exceed 180K. Much to our dislike, the state has recorded over 2.5K deaths. (Apgar, 2020)
To curb these numbers, the government has asked everyone visiting or staying here to stay home for two weeks, called “Stay at Home 2.0“.
‘Stay at Home 2.0,’ Explained.
The state-wide pause will continue until January 15, 2021, with the following restrictions:
- Both citizens and visitors are required to wear a mask at all times, both inside and outside, especially when people around are not part of your immediate household.
- Restaurants and bars can continue to operate at 25% occupancy with strict social distancing and no more than four customers per table. Seating at bar or countertops must continue to be socially distanced under the existing guidelines.
- Restaurants and bars should continue to have hand sanitizer available and should be conducting health screenings and temperature checks. Masks must be worn at all times when not actively eating or drinking. For restaurants and bars that serve food, reservations are required; no walk-ins will be allowed.
- Gaming operations, restaurants, and bars within gaming establishments to have no more than 25% occupancy. They must operate according to the Nevada Gaming Control Board requirements, including health and safety policies.
- Gyms and fitness, dance, and martial arts studios may operate at 25% occupancy under strict social distancing requirements. Masks are required at all times unless actively drinking.
- Museums, art galleries, libraries, zoos, aquariums, arcades, racetracks, bowling alleys, mini-golf, amusements and theme parks, and other similar activities can operate at 25% occupancy.
- Public gatherings are limited to 50 individuals or 25% of fire code capacity, whichever is less. Meetings include places of worship, indoor movie theaters, live theatre performances, casino showrooms, weddings, funerals, milestone celebrations, and any other event where members of the public may be gathering together in the same place for the same purposes.
- Large gathering plans won’t get approved during this time. In cases of previous approvals for larger events scheduled in the next several weeks will remain canceled.
- Private social gatherings need to be restricted to 10 people or fewer from no more than two households, whether it’s indoors or outdoors.
- All youth and adult sports tournaments go on pause.
- Employees are to be stationed at all the public entrances of retail and grocery stores having over 50,000 square feet capacity to counter patrons are compliant with capacity limits.
- Employers are to have their employees work virtually as much as possible for the next few weeks and host meetings virtually instead of in conference rooms.
(Lasvegasnevada.gov, 2020)
While some businesses like indoor malls, hair salons, community centers, skin clinics & spas will continue to run as usual, people have been advised to stay at home. Avoid venturing out for non-essential shopping or work. It will reduce your chances of being exposed to COVID-19.
Have You Been Exposed Too?
COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets, such as those in aerosols, produced when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes.
The symptoms start appearing between 2-14 days after the exposure. In most cases, symptoms include shortness of breath, fever, cough, loss of taste or smell, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, nausea or vomiting, congestion or runny nose, and diarrhea.
People with COVID-19 are also experiencing neurological symptoms, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, or both. These may occur with or without respiratory symptoms.
Some people may not experience any of these symptoms yet feel sick so it’s best to get tested or contact your primary care physician for advisement.
If you are looking for more information on COVID-19, it’s available on the following resources:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- The Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health
- Southern Nevada Health District
Seek Medical Attention If Exposed
If you are exposed to the COVID-19 virus, contact your doctor immediately for advice. It is up to individuals to create advocacy for healthcare needs. Our facility understands the stress and distress of this virus and want you to know we stand ready to serve your ER needs. Don’t forget to call us ahead of time to let the staff know that you are coming, so they can be prepared for your arrival.
We’re In this Together
As an ER facility, we are on the front lines with our patients and the community as we continue to battle this unprecedented virus. We are here as a resource for high quality, fast, emergency care with compassion. Las Vegas has been hit particularly hard by the pandemic and we want you to know we are here for you and your family, as well as visitors coming in for vacation or business. We will see this through with you and are standing by to take care of any medical emergency. We are here to be your first choice for emergency medical care.
Works Cited
Synder, R., & Messerly, M. (2020, November 10). Sisolak urges Nevadans to limit nonessential activities under ‘Stay at Home 2.0’ or face further restrictions in two weeks. Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://thenevadaindependent.com/article/sisolak-urges-nevadans-to-limit-nonessential-activities-under-stay-at-home-2-0-or-face-further-restrictions-in-two-weeks
Apgar, B. (2020, December 13). Nevada reports 2,882 COVID-19 cases, 19 deaths. Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/local-nevada/nevada-reports-2882-covid-19-cases-19-deaths-2216852/
.Gov, L. (2020, December 13). Coronavirus Update From City of Las Vegas. Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/News/Blog/Detail/corona-virus-update