FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 31, 2020

LAS VEGAS – The Southern Nevada Health District is implementing a text and email-based notification system to assist in notifying individuals who have traveled to areas where transmission of COVID-19 is widespread, or who are contacts of a confirmed case. Some individuals may also be contacted by telephone in addition to receiving a text or e-mail notification.

As of March 29, 2020, the Health District is reporting 869 cases of COVID-19 and 23 deaths. The Health District has reassigned resources from within the agency to assist with contact investigations, to provide information and instructions to individuals who have COVID-19 and who are high-risk contacts, and to assist facilities with investigations and screenings.

This new system allows people who have a known exposure but are at lower risk to receive an important notification so they can take steps to monitor their health and contact the Health District if they have questions or concerns.

When a person receives an alert, they are advised based on their specific circumstances to monitor their symptoms and, if applicable, self-quarantine for 14 days. The system provides links to instructions, the declaration of quarantine, and resources for individuals.

As more testing occurs in Southern Nevada and the state, more cases of COVID-19 will be identified and reported. While many people do require hospitalization and supportive care, many more people will experience mild symptoms and will be isolating at home during the course of their illness. Health District staff is continuing to look for resources and solutions to manage the outbreak and provide the community with information. This notification system will allow people who are not sick but may be at risk for becoming ill to take additional precautions to help keep themselves and others healthy.

The Health District continues to remind people to:

• Avoid all non-essential travel and social interactions.
• Work from home, when possible, and do not gather in groups.
• Stay at least 6 feet apart from others.
• Persons 50+ years old and those who have chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, or a weakened immune system are most at risk.
• Stay home, local community transmission is common, and if you are sick, you must stay home.
• Staying home can save the life of another Nevadan.
• If your symptoms get worse, consult with your doctor by phone.
• Stay home for at least seven days after your symptoms started and be fever-free/without cough or sore throat for three days without the assistance of medicine before returning to your routine.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.