LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Today, Gov. Steve Sisolak provided an update on the state’s efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Nevada and outlined three requests he has sent to his medical advisory team.
The governor started by saying he was not going to announce any capacity limits or additional restrictions. He said he has made multiple requests with his Medical Advisory Team to do what they can to prevent us from getting to that point once again.
“Unless we increase our vaccination rates quickly, the virus will have time to mutate, the unvaccinated will continue to fill our hospitals and place unnecessary strain on our ability to treat all patients, and our economic progress will be threatened,” Gov. Sisolak said. “That’s why we’re masking – to slow the spread as more Nevadans, as soon as possible, roll up their sleeves and get their shots.”
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The governor outlined three requests he has already sent to the medical advisory team.
First, he is asking medical advisors to look at vaccination requirements for all students attending in-person classes at public colleges and universities under the Nevada System of Higher Education.
If the medical advisory team recommends required vaccinations for students, the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health will bring forward proposed regulations to the State Board of Health for consideration.
Public health officials have already begun discussions with the appropriate partners, including those at NSHE, to explore implementation on a timeline that would consider how long it takes to complete full vaccination with the upcoming academic calendar.
The governor’s request will have no impact on the ability of students to return to classes this semester. If this is the direction taken, health officials will work with NSHE and higher education partners to make sure any timeline is fair and reasonable.
Second, the governor asked the Medical Advisory Team for a vaccination recommendation regarding those who work with vulnerable populations, like those in institutional settings, those working with the homeless community, and those working in our health care system.
These recommendations will help guide conversations and actions the state can take moving forward. More updates will be provided as recommendations are reviewed and conversations begin with impacted parties and local officials.
Finally, the governor has asked these medical advisors to look at how Nevada can make large gatherings safer, understanding that the Delta variant is more infectious than anything the State has seen before in this pandemic.
When the recommendations come back, the state will work with local officials, event managers, and operators of the state’s largest venues to discuss how they can best implement safety protocols.
The governor is hopeful the private sector will continue to work with the state to accomplish these goals without a government mandate or a directive.
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First off: I want to clear the air right away -- I am not here today to announce capacity limits or closures or anything like that. In fact, everything we are currently doing is aimed at preventing such a scenario.
— Governor Sisolak (@GovSisolak) August 5, 2021
