As the Delta variant continues to fuel a new surge of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., some states are reconsidering guidance on wearing masks and social distancing to curb the spread.
And if there's one place to avoid, health experts agree that it's Las Vegas.
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Some states are experiencing higher infection rates than others, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says more than 80 percent of new COVID infections in recent weeks are caused by the Delta variant.
In Clark County, Nevada, where Las Vegas is located, new cases are up 74 percent and hospitalizations have increased 102 percent over the last two weeks, according to the New York Times.
The entire state of Nevada is considered a "high transmission state," according to the latest White House Community Profile Report, with Clark County being an "area of concern" and "sustained hotspot" for coronavirus transmission.
Last week, Clark County health officials reactivated mask mandates for employees who work indoors, regardless of vaccination status. The county also recommended that everyone mask up while in crowded indoor public places where they may have contact with others who are not fully vaccinated.
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About 51 percent of Nevada’s population 12 and older is fully vaccinated, according to the CDC, which is behind the national average of 57 percent.
The state of Nevada was recently added to Chicago's "travel advisory states" due to its surge in new cases. Any unvaccinated people traveling from Nevada are advised to obtain a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Chicago or quarantine for a 10-day period upon arrival.
Health officials in California and Hawaii have also warned residents against travel to Las Vegas and Nevada, saying visitors are bringing the virus back with them. They say the destination poses significant risks, as visitors often spend prolonged periods indoors mingling with others from around the country at popular places like casinos and live shows.
Those who are planning travel to Las Vegas are advised to be fully vaccinated before leaving their hometown.
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