Dr. BCW, Dr. Curry-Winchell, discusses the Nevada face mask mandate lift with the Nevada Independent
Read the full Nevada Independent article here
Dr. Curry-Winchell,
On what has been a long and uncertain road leading to the governor’s recent announcement about Nevada’s mask mandate being rolled back, there are still questions about what this new recommendation means for public health and our future as we move forward. For example, does this latest measure signal the end of the pandemic and are we really safe to say good-bye to masks?
Unfortunately, the lifting of the mask mandate doesn’t mean the pandemic is done. COVID-19 is still present, and we do not know whether the next variant will be worse, the same or milder.
The new mask guidelines from the State of Nevada are in response to COVID-19 virus infectivity rates. When rates are high in a specific area, it is recommended to still wear masks as they have been proven to provide a layer of protection from the virus. When infectivity rates trend lower, health and state officials make recommendations and respond accordingly — and that’s where you start to see a shift in restrictions such as what we are experiencing now.
For those who are unsure whether they should wear a mask or be a bit hesitant about unmasking, here are a few things to consider.
Hospitals and health care facilities can still require masks
According to the governor, hospitals and health care facilities are categorized as health and human services facilities and can therefore make their own decisions as to whether they will require masks. In these kinds of facilities, patients can range from those who are acutely ill to those seeking chemotherapy to those with other serious issues. It is important that these spaces are protected. Keep this in mind and consider providing a level of protection for yourself and other patients around you before entering….
Dr. Curry-Winchell continues to discuss the face mask mandate on The Nevada Independent
