California, 2 other states issue travel advisories amid COVID-19 spike
A trio of Western states issued travel advisories Friday recommending those arriving from out of state self-quarantine for two weeks upon their arrival and discouraging out-of-state travel.
California, Oregon and Washington all issued travel advisories aimed at reducing the possible spread of COVID-19 as cases across the nation are skyrocketing. It’s also recommended that those arriving in the states should limit their interactions to their immediate household.
“California just surpassed a sobering threshold — one million COVID-19 cases — with no signs of the virus slowing down,” California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement. “Increased cases are adding pressure on our hospital systems and threatening the lives of seniors, essential workers and vulnerable Californians. Travel increases the risk of spreading COVID-19 and we must all collectively increase our efforts at this time to keep the virus at bay and save lives.”
Essential travel including trips for work and study, critical infrastructure support, economic services and supply chains, health, immediate medical care, and safety and security are not included in the advisory.
Each state also recommends residents stay home or remain in their region, avoiding nonessential travel to other states or countries.
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee noted the states jointly issued the travel advisories.
“COVID-19 cases have doubled in Washington over the past two weeks,” Inslee said in a statement. “This puts our state in as dangerous a position today as we were in March. Limiting and reducing travel is one way to reduce further spread of the disease. I am happy to partner with California and Oregon in this effort to help protect lives up and down the West Coast.”
A large portion of tourists in Southern Nevada arrive from Southern California, with travel volumes on Interstate 15 at the Nevada/California line recently surpassing levels seen during the same month last year.
Through the first three weeks of October, traffic volume was up 8 percent year over year, marking one of the first increases at the border since the pandemic began.
It remains to be seen if the stay-at-home advisories of the surrounding states affect tourism in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority spokeswoman Lori Nelson-Kraft understands the situation might affect tourist volume but reminds visitors that the resort corridor is open.
“We respect the difficult decisions every state leader is facing to minimize the spread of the virus and we may see a decrease in visitation by states recommending travel advisories,” Nelson-Kraft said. “For those who can and want to travel, Las Vegas casino-resorts and attractions remain committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for employees and guests.”
Gov. Steve Sisolak’s office wasn’t available for comment Friday morning, but in his coronavirus update this week, the governor emphasized that visitors are still welcomed in the Silver State, despite his issuing a two-week stay-at-home recommendation to residents.
“They (tourists) certainly should come, because those are protecting our jobs,” Sisolak said in a news conference Tuesday. “When they come here and they’re staying in one of our properties they need to wear a mask. When they’re in one of our restaurants, the restaurant has protocols in place that they have to follow, both the employees and the guests have to follow. I’m asking if they’re going to have a drink, if they’re going to play cards or a slot machine, whatever it might be, wear a mask … I’m encouraging them to come but I’m encouraging (them) to please, please follow the rules.”
Contact Mick Akers at makers@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2920. Follow @mickakers on Twitter.