Governor issues advisory, urging travelers to self-quarantine, Nevadans to avoid nonessential travel
Submitted by admin on Tue, 03/31/2020 - 5:27pm
In an effort to contain the spread of coronavirus, Gov. Steve Sisolak announced a travel advisory Tuesday afternoon, urging travelers to Nevada to self-quarantine for 14 days.
Although the new guidance does not call for halting all travel, the governor’s office is asking all visitors to postpone their trips if possible and all Nevadans to avoid nonessential travel, especially to places where the Centers for Disease Control has issued travel advisories.
On Saturday, the CDC issued a travel advisory asking New York, New Jersey and Connecticut residents to halt any non-essential travel for 14 days.
Sisolak’s guidance comes as the number of coronavirus cases continues to increase across the state, with the statewide death toll at 26 patients, as of Tuesday morning. Positive cases jumped up by more than 100 between Monday and Tuesday morning, reaching 1,113 cases. Other states, including Massachusetts, have issued similar advisories.
“We know this virus does not spread on its own so we need everyone, Nevadans and travelers, to take preventive measures to help flatten the curve and protect the most vulnerable among us,” Sisolak said in a press release. “Nevada will always be a welcoming spot for travelers, but out of an abundance of caution, we are asking everyone to Stay Home for Nevada, especially if you have symptoms.”
Even without the advisory, travel to Las Vegas has dwindled as casinos have closed, conventions have been placed on hold and major airlines have reduced flights across the nation.
Residents who are returning to Nevada are advised to avoid public places or contact with anyone outside of their households. Other travelers are asked to self-quarantine for 14 days or for their stay in Nevada, depending on which time period is shorter.
In a press release, the governor’s office advised Nevadans living in a place that borders another state to “practice aggressive social distancing” if they need to “cross state lines for essential daily matters.”
In a letter addressed to professionals in the transportation and hospitality industries, Sisolak asked that they display a poster, urging travelers to self-quarantine, in their airports, hotels, bus stations, train stations and rental car agencies. He also asked that they distribute a flyer to travelers.
The advisory excludes medical professionals, first responders, transportation workers, and workers who are essential to the food supply chain.
— This story was used by permission of The Nevada Independent. Go here for updates to this and other stories.
