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Novel Coronavirus In Nevada: June 24-30

An illustration of an ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses.
Alissa Eckert, MS; Dan Higgins, MAMS
/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
This illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses.
Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Tuesday, June 30

7:51 p.m. | June 30, 2020

Nevada Reports More Than 500 Additional COVID-19 Cases
By Lucia Starbuck

The Nevada Department of Health and Human Services reported 562 additional cases of COVID-19 Tuesday. There are now 507 COVID-19-related deaths in Nevada. There have been nearly 323,000 COVID-19 tests performed in the state.

Over the past week, Nevada has seen on average about 637 new cases of COVID-19 per day, over the last seven days, according to Caleb Cage the Nevada COVID-19 Response Director.

During a press conference Tuesday, Cage also noted hospitalization trends have been increasing since May 31, most of which are in Clark County. 

Julia Peek with the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services talked about where the bulk of the new COVID-19 cases are stemming from.

"So far, the main themes we are seeing include people spending a lot of time at indoor venues and not adhering to the social distancing and face covering guidelines," said Peek.

There have been more than 18,000 cases of COVID-19 in Nevada. About half of those cases are ages 20 to 49, and 42 percent of all the cases are Latino.

Additionally, Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York tweeted Tuesday that visitors from 16 different states must quarantine for two weeks upon arrival to New York. California and Nevada were both on that list.

Washoe County Reports More Than 100 New Cases Of COVID-19
By Lucia Starbuck

Washoe County reported 110 additional cases of COVID-19 Tuesday and 45 recoveries.

There are 978 active cases of COVID-19, the highest the county has ever seen.

There have been nearly 50,000 COVID-19 tests performed in Washoe County as of Tuesday.

With the Fourth of July holiday around the corner, Washoe County officials are urging residents to avoid gatherings where they can’t social distance or wear masks.

Quad-Counties Report 13 Additional Cases Of Covid-19 On Tuesday
By Lucia Starbuck

Health officials in the Quad-Counties are reporting 13 new positive cases and 13 additional recoveries. The total number of positive cases in that region is approaching 350 and there are nearly 100 active cases. The new cases include: five Carson City residents, four Douglas County residents, and four Lyon County residents. The area also includes Storey County.

Reno Aces Cancel 2020 Baseball Season
By Lucia Starbuck

Minor League Baseball announced Tuesday that the 2020 baseball season is canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This means the Reno Aces will not be playing ball this year.

According to a statement by the Reno Aces, fans who have paid for tickets have already received information about account credits, which can be used for future Reno Aces or 1868 FC soccer games. The Reno Aces plan on resuming games in 2021.

Storey County Cancels Fourth Of July Fireworks In Virginia City
By Lucia Starbuck

Storey County officials announced Tuesday that the fireworks show scheduled for July 4 in Virginia City will be canceled this year, due to the potential of increasing COVID-19 cases, fire-prone conditions and cancelations of similar events.

Virginia City will still be hosting a parade, but it might look a little different this year. There will be an Independence Day Cruise from 12 to 1 p.m. Anyone is invited to drive through Virginia City, starting at Fourth Ward School. Registration is not required.

Nevada Casinos Closed Through May Yielded Nearly No Tax Revenue
By The Associated Press

Casinos that were closed through May due to the coronavirus pandemic yielded nearly no tax revenue for Nevada. That's according to a monthly Gaming Control Board report posted Tuesday. . Gambling establishments statewide reported a 99.4% decrease in house winnings compared with the same month a year ago. A small amount of revenue came from mobile sports betting and interactive poker. The state collected just $56,000 in taxes based on May revenues, down 99.9% from a year ago. Casinos were allowed to reopen June 4 after being closed since mid-March to prevent people from gathering and spreading the COVID-19 illness.

Nevada Schools Get Input From Parents On Reopening
By The Associated Press

Schools across Nevada are soliciting input from parents and rushing to submit proposals to their boards that outline how they plan to open campus doors without creating coronavirus hot spots in the fall of 2020. Their preliminary proposals suggest classrooms could look drastically different when students return. Districts are recommending that schools combine remote and face-to-face learning for kindergarten through high school students, cycling students through their normal classrooms to avoid overcrowding, having them eat at their desks and requiring enhanced cleaning practices.

Man In Truckee Delivers Toys To Kids Feeling Isolated
By The Associated Press

Among the many casualties of social-distancing directives is the child's birthday party, sowhen coronavirus lockdowns came to Truckee, Craig Fierro wanted to do his part. Fierro runs a shop specializing in motorized vehicles, parts and maintenance northwest of Lake Tahoe. He also carries brightly colored toy replicas of the motorbikes that are a favorite of kids who come to the shop. So he started dropping them off as wrapped birthday presents for tots and teens in the community. As of last count, he'd delivered about 50 after extending the gift-giving through June.

Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Monday, June 29

8:13 p.m. | June 29, 2020

Elko County Reported 25 New Cases Monday
By Michelle Billman

Elko County health officials reported 25 new positive cases Monday and five additional recoveries. Elko now has 124 confirmed cases, and 87 of those cases remain active.

7:21 p.m. | June 29, 2020

Washoe County Reports One New COVID-19-Related Death
By Stephanie Serrano

Washoe County health officials reported one new COVID-19-related death: A male in his 60s with underlying health conditions. There is a total of 75 coronavirus-related deaths in the county.

As of Monday, there are 56 new COVID-19 cases with a total of 913 active cases. This is the highest number of cases on record.

Asymptomatic Drive-Thru Testing Available At Carson High School
By Stephanie Serrano

Carson City Health and Human Services reported four new COVID-19 cases in the Quad-County region, which spreads across Carson City, Douglas, Lyon and Storey Counties. Ninety-six cases in the region are currently active.

Three of the new cases are Lyon County residents and the fourth resides in Douglas County.

Asymptomatic residents in the region can get tested for COVID-19 Tuesday at Carson High School between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. There are 400 tests available on a first come, first served basis.

Governor Sisolak Extends Nevada’s Phase 2 Timeline
By Stephanie Serrano

Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak has signed a directive to extend Nevada’s Phase 2 of the reopening through the end of July. Sisolak said the extension is necessary due to trends in COVID-19 data statewide.

The governor is encouraging residents to wear face coverings and practice social distancing, stating that if coronavirus trends worsen, he will reinstate previous restrictions.

Nevada Finds COVID-19 Trends In Data
By The Associated Press

Nevada health officials say more than half of the state's confirmed coronavirus cases have been people aged 20 to 49 and 42% have been Latino. The state's COVID-19 response director said in a telephone call with reporters Monday that they intend to release a response plan geared toward containing the coronavirus among those demographic groups. The state reported a total of nearly 17,900 confirmed coronavirus cases and 504 deaths. In response to an uptick in confirmed cases, Gov. Steve Sisolak has implemented a face-covering mandate for public places throughout Nevada.

California Continues To See Business Shutdowns Due To Increased COVID-19 Cases
By The Associated Press

California Gov. Gavin Newsom says he could impose further targeted shutdowns of counties or businesses if concerning coronavirus trends continue. The Democratic governor's Monday remarks come a day after he mandated bars close in seven counties and suggested eight others do the same. Of the eight, Sacramento and Riverside counties announced later Monday they would shut down such establishments. Newsom says the state will step up enforcement of its guidelines and mask order. At the same time, new guidance allows some nursing home visitation to resume and the state is considering releasing more prisoners early amid prison outbreaks.



Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Sunday, June 28

6:55 p.m. | June 28, 2020

Nevada Reports More Than 800 Additional COVID-19 Cases Sunday
By Lucia Starbuck

The Nevada Department of Health and Human Services reported 821 additional cases of COVID-19 Sunday. There are 500 COVID-19-related deaths in the state and no additional deaths were reported Sunday.

There have been a little more than 307,000 COVID-19 tests performed in the state.

Washoe County Reports Highest Number Of Active Cases Of COVID-19
By Lucia Starbuck

Washoe County reported 27 new cases of COVID-19 Sunday and three recoveries. 

There are currently 875 active cases of COVID-19, the most the county has seen. There have been more than 48,000 COVID-19 tests performed in Washoe County.

In the Quad-Counties, officials reported four positive cases Sunday, including two in Lyon County and two in Carson City. The total number of cases in that region is now 329, with 92 cases still active.

Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Saturday, June 27

11:51 p.m. | June 27, 2020

Nevada Sees Nearly 1,100 New Cases Of COVID-19 Saturday
By Lucia Starbuck

The Nevada Department of Health and Human Services reported 1,099 new cases of COVID-19 Saturday. This is the highest number of additional cases reported in one day in the state, and it's more than double the second-highest recorded total of 509 on June 24.

There are 500 COVID-19-related deaths in Nevada. More than 301,000 COVID-19 tests have been performed in the state.

Face Coverings Required in Reno-Tahoe International Airport
By Lucia Starbuck

Face coverings are required in the Reno-Tahoe International Airport terminal’s public areas, following Gov. Steve Sisolak’s mandate that Nevada residents and visitors must wear masks in public settings.

The airport’s staff have been handing out masks to airport customers who don’t have one, signage encouraging social distancing has been posted throughout the terminal, and Plexiglas shields have been added at ticket and rental car counters.

Washoe County Reported 61 New Cases of COVID-19 And 16 Recoveries Saturday
By Lucia Starbuck

Washoe County reported 61 new cases of COVID-19 Saturday and 16 recoveries. There are 851 active cases of COVID-19, the highest the county has seen. There have been more than 48,000 COVID-19 tests performed in Washoe County.

Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Friday, June 26

8:12 p.m. | June 26, 2020

Nevada Reports Nearly 400 Additional COVID-19 Cases
By Lucia Starbuck

The Nevada Department of Health and Human Services reported 381 additional cases of COVID-19 Friday.

There are close to 500 COVID-19-related deaths in Nevada, and there have been more than 297,000 COVID-19 tests performed in the state.

Eureka Sees First Case Of COVID-19
By Lucia Starbuck

The Eureka County Board of Health Officials was notified Thursday that the county has reported its first case of COVID-19, according to the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services dashboard.

The Elko Daily Free Press reported the new case is a man in his 40s who had direct exposure with someone who tested positive from out of state.

The man was experiencing symptoms and has been self-isolating since he was tested.

Washoe County Reports Highest New Cases of COVID-19
By Lucia Starbuck

Washoe County reported 108 cases of COVID-19 Friday, which is the highest single-day increase the county has seen. This is the first time more than 100 new cases have been reported in one day.

There are now 806 active cases of COVID-19, the highest that Washoe County has reported.

Washoe County officials said the surge in cases is most commonly tied to going to work while sick, family gatherings, restaurant dining, and retail and grocery shopping.

Quad-Counties Report Four Additional Cases of COVID-19 Friday
By Lucia Starbuck

Carson City Health and Human Services reported 16 recoveries from COVID-19 and four additional cases Friday. Those cases include a man from Carson City in his 50s with no connection to a previously reported case, a man and a woman from Douglas County, both in their 20s and with a recent travel history to Texas, and a woman from Lyon County in her 40s with no connection to a known case.

Five Residents, One Staff Member At Northern Nevada State Veterans Home Test Positive For COVID-19
By Danna O'Connor

Five residents and one staff member at the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home tested positive for COVID-19 this week. These are the first residents to test positive at the facility; earlier this month, one additional staff member tested positive for COVID-19.

The Northern Nevada State Veterans Home is conducting weekly tests of all residents and staff in accordance with health department guidelines.

The Nevada Department of Veterans Services director, Kat Miller, said the facility is doing everything it can to protect both patients and staff.

All COVID-19 positive residents are in isolation and the staff members are self-quarantined at home.

Access to the home remains limited to team members and essential vendors only. Anyone entering the building is required to undergo screening.

Elko County Reported 18 New Cases Of COVID-19 Thursday
By Michelle Billman

In Elko, health officials reported 18 new positive cases Thursday and one additional recovery. The total number of cases in Elko is approaching 100.


Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Thursday, June 25

7:31 p.m. | June 25, 2020

COVID-19 Cases Continue To Climb In Nevada
By Paul Boger

The number of COVID-19 cases in Nevada is continuing its steady climb, with another 399 cases reported statewide Thursday.

So far across the Silver State, nearly 15,000 people have tested positive for the disease, and 4,000 of those cases are still considered active.

In Washoe County, health officials reported 28 new cases of COVID-19 and 38 recoveries. In the Quad-County area, Carson City Health and Human Services reported 11 new cases and four recoveries.

In all, there have been 495 COVID-19-related deaths in Nevada.

Sisolak Signs Order To Slowly Lift Eviction Moratorium
By Paul Boger

Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak has signed an executive order which will slowly lift the state's moratorium on evictions.

The latest directive comes roughly three months after Sisolak announced the suspension of evictions due to the economic fallout associated with the novel coronavirus.

Under the new phased-in guidance, residential landlords can once again pursue evictions for causes such as lease violations or nuisance issues.

They still cannot evict tenants or charge late fees for non-payment until September.

Commercial property owners, however, can start evicting tenants for issues such as non-payment as early as next month.

As part of the resumption of evictions, state officials said they are also working to create a rental assistance program supported by $50 million in federal aid with at least $30 million earmarked for residential tenants.


Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Wednesday, June 24

7:32 p.m. | June 24, 2020

Nevada Requires Face Masks After Rise In COVID-19 Cases
By The Associated Press

Gov. Steve Sisolak said Nevada will mandate the use of face coverings in public places in an effort to stem rising coronavirus cases after casinos, restaurants and other businesses started reopening. Nevada has reported more than 14,000 cases and nearly 500 deaths from COVID-19 since the onset of the pandemic. The Democratic governor said Nevada must make face coverings a routine part of daily life in order to keep businesses open and people safe. Nevada joins several states, including California, Washington and North Carolina, in mandating face-coverings, after those states' Democratic governors implemented similar mandates.

Nevada COVID-19 Cases Total More Than 14,000
By Jayden Perez

The State of Nevada reported 355 new COVID-19 cases Wednesday, bringing the total of confirmed cases to more than 14,000. The death toll statewide is 494, according to the state’s online dashboard. No new deaths have been reported Wednesday.

Washoe County Reports Largest Single-Day Increase In COVID-19 Cases
By Jayden Perez

Washoe County reported 90 new cases of COVID-19 Wednesday, which is the largest single-day increase there since the start of the pandemic. Twenty-eight new recoveries have also been reported. There are now nearly 750 active cases and more than 2,000 total cases of COVID-19 in Washoe County, and no new deaths have been reported.

Washoe County Health District Officer Kevin Dick said that the spike in cases is due to community transmission and residents not taking proper precautions when going out in public. He added in a press release that Washoe County is “in a public health crisis right now.”

Seventy-seven percent of all staffed short-term, acute-care hospital beds in Washoe County are occupied, according to the Nevada Hospital Association.

Quad-County Region Reports Eight, Elko County Reports Two New COVID-19 Cases Wednesday
By Jayden Perez

Carson City Health and Human Services reported eight new positive cases of COVID-19 Wednesday and one additional recovery. The new cases include five Carson City residents, two Douglas County residents, and one Lyon County resident. The Quad-County region also includes Storey County. The region has now surpassed 300 positive cases.

Elko County reported two new COVID-19 cases Wednesday, along with one additional recovery. Health officials there said many of the county's new cases are due to interactions in which residents did not follow social distancing guidelines.

Nevada Removing Obstacles To Teacher Licensure
By Jayden Perez

Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak signed an emergency regulation Monday that eliminates potential gaps in teacher licensing and license renewals due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The emergency regulation allows the State Superintendent of Public Instruction to extend expiration dates of educator licenses for up to 12 months and provide other exceptions for mandatory exams.

The move also addressed other obstacles created by the pandemic, such as delays in fingerprinting and background checks.

Renown Health Expands COVID-19 Testing Capacity
By Jayden Perez

Renown Health announced Wednesday that it is now able to process up to 500 COVID-19 tests each day. This is part of an effort to increase testing capacity and, next month, Renown plans to be able to process up to 1,000 tests per day.

Tony Slonim, president and CEO of Renown, has expressed concern about the recent increase in cases across northern Nevada. He also said that the COVID-19 pandemic is not going away and is still present.

In addition to the increase in daily tests, Renown has been using in-house testing. This type of testing helps relieve the state lab, while allowing Renown to receive results within 12 to 24 hours.


Get Caught Up:

  • June 23 | Regional Updates
    • Nevada Sees Another Record Day Of COVID-19 Cases
    • Gov. Sisolak To Update State On COVID-19 Response On Wednesday
    • Washoe County Health Officials Report 54 New Cases Of COVID-19, Encourage Mask-Wearing
    • Quad County Region Reports Seven New COVID-19 Cases
    • Hospital In Elko Enacting No-Visitor Policy During Resurgence Of COVID-19
    • Nevada Secretary Of State Rejects Nearly 11,000 Mail-In Primary Ballots
    • Nevada Schools Work To Reopen Amid Pandemic Budget Cuts

For continued updates on the novel coronavirus in Nevada, visit our updates and resourcespage.

Danna has been with KUNR Public Radio since 1995. She started as a weekend announcer, then full time jazz host and in 2008 became the local host for NPR’s Morning Edition.
Michelle Billman is a former news director at KUNR Public Radio.
Paul Boger is a former reporter at KUNR Public Radio.
Stephanie Serrano (she/her/ella) is an award-winning multimedia bilingual journalist based in Reno, Nevada. Her reporting is powered by character-driven stories and is rooted in sound-rich audio. Her storytelling works to share the experiences of unserved communities in regards to education, race, affordable housing and sports.
Lucia Starbuck is an award-winning political journalist and the host of KUNR’s monthly show Purple Politics Nevada. She is passionate about reporting during election season, attending community events, and talking to people about the issues that matter most to them.
Jayden Perez is a former web producer and student reporter at KUNR Public Radio.
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