FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 17, 2020

Holiday Guidance

The arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine brought some much needed holiday cheer to Southern Nevada. More shipments will be arriving, and the Southern Nevada Health District will provide regular updates on the progress of its vaccine distribution efforts.

As the community continues to respond to the pandemic this holiday season, the Health District recommends celebrating only with people who share the same home. Those who will still plan events with people outside their household are strongly encouraged to take steps to lower the risk of infection at these 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.
• Get a flu shot. Flu shots are recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older. They can help to protect you and your family and friends from spreading the flu.

More information is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/winter.html.

Program Updates

In compliance with the extension of the statewide “pause,” Southern Nevada Health District services will remain closed or available by appointment only through January 15, 2021.

Clinical Services:

• Clinical services continue to be available by appointment only, including Family Planning Services, the Sexual Health Clinic, and the Southern Nevada Community Health Center. Clients are
  encouraged to use telemedicine services during this time. Clinic information and appointments are available at www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/clinics/ or by calling (702) 759-1700.
• Immunization Clinic services are available at 280 S. Decatur Blvd.; East Las Vegas Public Health Center, 570 N. Nellis Blvd.; and the Mesquite Public Health Center, 830 Hafen Ln. by appointment only. To make an appointment, call (702) 759-0850.

Vital Records

• Birth and death certificates can be ordered online. In person pick-up is not available. Go to www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/programs/vital-records/ for more information.

Food Handler Safety Training Cards

• Food Handler Safety Training Card services will resume on January 15. During the closure, first time Food Handler Safety Training Card applicants are able to work without a card until March 31, 2021. Renewing card applicants (regardless of expiration date) and those needing duplicate Food Handler Safety Training cards are able to work until June 30, 2021.

Environmental Health

• Walk-in environmental health services are unavailable but will remain available via telephone and online.
• Subdivision Plan Review and Solid Waste Management plan review will be available in-person on Tuesdays, between 9 a.m. and noon.

Holiday Closures

All Health District offices will be closed on December 24-25, and December 31-January 1.

Mask Up. Back Up. Wash Up. And more

As the community continues to respond to the pandemic, it is important for people to follow recommended public health strategies. These include:

Universal Use of Face Masks
The consistent and correct use of face masks in public and around people who do not share the same household. Recent studies estimate that approximately half of new infections are transmitted by people who have no symptoms of COVID-19. New evidence shows that in addition to providing protection for others, face masks also provide some protection to those wearing them.

Social Distancing
Maintaining social distancing and limiting contacts. Contact with people outside of the household setting increases the risk of infection with the virus that causes COVID-19. Outside of household settings, being in close physical contact with others, sharing meals, being in enclosed spaces, or in large crowds can all increase the risk of infection. Participating in these activities also increases the risk of transmission among household members.

Hand Washing
Regular handwashing is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick and prevent the spread of germs to others. To prevent the spread of germs, wash hands with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.

COVID-19 Testing
COVID-19 testing is vital to identifying people who are infected so they can isolate themselves from others and interrupt the transmission of the virus. The Health District recommends testing for both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. Testing is recommended for people who have symptoms of COVID-19; anyone who had close contact with someone who has a confirmed or possible case of COVID-19; people who were in a setting where they were exposed to a large group of people or people who were not wearing face coverings or not maintaining physical distance; and anyone who is planning to visit someone who is at high risk of illness, including people 65 years of age and older and people with serious medical conditions. Health District and community partner testing locations can be found on the calendar at www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/covid-19-testing-sites. Locations that require appointments or that allow for pre-registration can be accessed at https://registration.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org.

More information about COVID-19 is available on the Health District website at www.SNHD.info/covid. Additional information about COVID-19 vaccine is available on the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html.

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.