Mask Up. Back Up. Wash Up.

Southern Nevadans are asked to Step Up to Bring COVID Down

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 18, 2020

LAS VEGAS – The holiday season is here, and the Southern Nevada Health District is encouraging everyone to plan safe and healthy celebrations with their families. To remind everyone of the basic preventive measures they can take, the Health District is launching its “Mask Up. Back Up. Wash Up.” campaign. The informational campaign urges Southern Nevadans to step up to bring COVID down by wearing face coverings when they do have to be in public or around people who don’t live in the same household, maintaining physical distance of at least 6 feet, and washing hands frequently.

“This message isn’t new, but we know that these simple steps are some of the most effective actions everyone can take to protect themselves and others from COVID-19,” said Dr. Fermin Leguen, Acting Chief Health Officer of the Southern Nevada Health District.

“The best way to celebrate Thanksgiving this year is to ensure family and friends are protected and not put at increased risk of getting or spreading COVID-19 or other viruses like the flu,” said Dr. Leguen.

The Health District recommends celebrating Thanksgiving only with people who share the same home. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is providing ideas for people to share time virtually and alternative activities that can be found at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/thanksgiving.html.

Those who still plan to host events with people outside their household are strongly encouraged to take steps to lower the risk of their gatherings. These steps include:

Ensure all guests wear masks with two layers or more that cover the nose, chin, and fits snugly against the side of the face.
Limit the gathering to fewer than 10 people.
Plan table arrangements so that people who live in different households are not seated together.
Stay at least 6 feet away from people who do not live in the same household.
Host the gathering outdoors, if the weather permits.
Open windows if hosting an indoor gathering.
If sharing food, have one person serve the food, and use single-use options, including plastic utensils.
Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Provide disposable paper towels in bathrooms for guests.
Stay home if you are sick or have had contact with someone who is sick. Remember, some people who are asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic may still be able to spread COVID-19 or flu to others.

The “Mask Up. Back Up. Wash Up.” campaign can initially be seen on buses, bus shelters, and Health District social media platforms beginning November 20.

“We understand the toll this pandemic has taken, and everyone wants our community to return to normal,” said Dr. Leguen. “By wearing a mask, maintaining physical distance from others, and washing hands and frequently touched surfaces often, everyone will be doing their part to keep Southern Nevada safer and businesses open and operating in a healthier environment for their employees and patrons.”

More information about COVID-19 is available on the Health District website at www.SNHD.info/covid.

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.