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Vegas doctor shares concern over possible rise in COVID-19 cases after NYE

Posted at 11:24 PM, Jan 01, 2021
and last updated 2021-01-02 09:58:19-05

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Thousands celebrated New Year's Eve at gatherings throughout the Las Vegas valley on Thursday despite the warnings from medical personnel to stay away from crowds and take other measures amid the pandemic.

The New Year's Eve outings have doctors worried about the consequences because 2020 may be over, but the fight against COVID-19 is far from it.

"Everyone is going to have a high expectation for 2021 - that it is going to be a great year. Maybe people will go out more, and this is exactly what I fear, "said primary care physician Dr. Jeffrey Ng.

Las Vegas seemingly not starting on the right foot with the celebrations could cause a super-spreader event.

CORONAVIRUS: Test positivity rate in Nevada continues to creep up

"Our numbers are still high, we're still over 20%. I think we have the second highest rate in the country. All you need was 15 minutes in the crowd and you could be already breathing the virus. It's just such a silent spreader, " Dr. Ng said.

Having visitors from all over the country can also add more chances of having the new coronavirus strain in Nevada.

Dr. Ng recommends that if you were out on New Year's Eve to try to quarantine yourself for seven days, even if you're not showing symptoms, and you may want to get tested to be sure of your health condition.