Thread by @GovSisolak

Good morning, I wanted to take a moment to update you all on where we are with the status of COVID-19 in our communities. You can follow my live press conference on my YouTube channel here: youtube.com/channel/UC3DFs…

We have seen a rapid decline in case numbers, coupled with declining hospitalizations, a drop in #COVID19 detected in wastewater, a broader availability of testing, and an increase in available treatments.

We reported our first Omicron case two months ago. Nevada recorded our single highest day of new cases on January 10 with 7,865 cases. We’re currently averaging around 1,280 cases per day.

Approximately 800 fewer people were hospitalized in Nevada yesterday with #COVID19 than they were at the peak of the Omicron surge.

During the Omicron surge, fewer than 0.01 percent of Nevadans required critical care hospitalization on any given day.

More than two-thirds of Nevadans aged five and older have made the choice to get vaccinated. I continue to urge all eligible Nevadans to get vaccinated and boosted against #COVID19.

Last week, our first order of 600,000 at-home #COVID19 test kits began arriving in the State. Nevadans are now able to pick up these test kits and have them in their homes to use at their convenience.

We also launched a treatment center this week in Las Vegas and a site in Northern Nevada will open next week. We’re using $19 million in federal dollars to fund these programs to make sure Nevadans who do get sick have access to treatments free of charge.

We have continued to work with the Nevada Hospital Association (@NVHospitals) to increase our ability to serve patients who need care in a medical facility or hospital setting.

Yesterday, the #NVLeg Interim Finance Committee approved more than $20 million in funding to strengthen the nursing apprenticeship program.

This money will go toward helping pay nursing students working in facilities, provide travel stipends for students traveling to rural Nevada and provide stipends for students who complete their schooling and agree to work at a qualifying facility for a specific duration of time.

I cannot express my gratitude enough to all the frontline workers – particularly those in our health care settings – who have continued to provide care to Nevadans throughout the pandemic.

To the Nevadans and travelers that have done the right thing, gotten vaccinated, stayed diligent, and protected each other for the last two years - from the bottom of my heart, I thank you.

Given all of these updates and the tools we have, now is the appropriate time for me to announce that Nevada will rescind our mask mandate, effective immediately.

While masks will no longer be required in public places, there are locations where you may still be asked to wear a mask.

Masks and protective equipment requirements in facilities serving vulnerable populations - like hospitals, clinics and long-term care facilities - will be overseen at the direction of @DHHSNevada. The safety of healthcare staff and patients are our top priority.

Federally, masks are still mandated in airports, on planes & on public buses & school buses.

Teachers & schools will no longer be required to wear masks but school districts will need to work with their local health authorities to have plans in place to deal with outbreaks.

Let me be clear – the State will no longer require masks in public places, but employers and organizations, including school districts, may set their own policies, and I encourage them to work with their employees and communities to ensure that policies are in place.

We are at this point now because as Nevadans we always look out for one another - that’s our Battle Born spirit and that’s the Nevada way.

It’s my honor to serve as your Governor and to work on your behalf – Thank You.