COVID-19 Prevention
Even with authorized COVID-19 vaccines, it is vital to follow prevention measures for the foreseeable future for several reasons:
- As of July 30, 2021, following CDC guidance, Nevadans in COVID-19 hot spots (most Nevada counties) must wear a mask indoors in public to help prevent transmission of the highly contagious COVID-19 Delta variant.
- It is possible, though not common, to contract COVID-19 and spread it after being fully vaccinated.
- Consider wearing a mask at all times in public if you have a weakened immune system or if, because of your age or an underlying medical condition, you are at increased risk for severe disease, or if a member of your household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is unvaccinated.
- It takes a few weeks for vaccine immunity to take effect, so the vaccinated are still vulnerable to disease during that period and can still spread it.
How to prevent infection
- Wear a mask consistently and correctly.
You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick. Masks help prevent you from getting or spreading the virus if worn correctly covering your mouth and nose. Everyone should wear a mask in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. Masks should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
- Stay six feet apart from others.
Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus. Put six feet of distance between yourself and people who don’t live in your household. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If someone in your home becomes sick, try and maintain six feet between the person who is sick and other household members.
- Limit contact with others.
This includes not gathering indoors and avoiding crowded outdoor settings.
- Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.
Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces.
- Quarantine if you’ve been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
If you’ve had close contact with someone who has been diagnosed, stay home and away from others for 14 days. This includes being within six feet of anyone who has COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more, providing care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19, having direct physical contact with the person (hugging or kissing them), sharing eating or drinking utensils, or being around a sick person who has sneezed, coughed, or somehow expelled respiratory droplets on you.
- Postpone travel.
Those who choose to travel by plane domestically should consider testing before and after travel.
Program activities are supported by the Nevada State Division of Public and Behavioral Health through Grant Number SG 25050 from Coronavirus Relief Funds from the State of Nevada.