Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Tuesday, June 9
7:08 p.m. | June 9, 2020
Nevada Reports Highest Spike Of New COVID-19 Cases
By Lucia Starbuck
The Nevada Department of Health and Human Services reported 207 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 Tuesday. That is the highest jump of new cases in one day that the state has seen.
There are 444 COVID-19-related deaths in Nevada according to a state online dashboard.
There have been more than 211,000 COVID-19 tests performed.
Washoe County Reports One COVID-19-Related Death Tuesday
By Lucia Starbuck
Washoe County reported one COVID-19-related death Tuesday, a man in his 70s with underlying health conditions. There are 66 COVID-19-related deaths in the county.
Washoe County reported 16 new cases of COVID-19 and 17 recoveries.
There have been 36,065 COVID-19 tests performed in Washoe County.
Quad-Counties Report One COVID-19-Related Death And Five New Positive Cases
By Lucia Starbuck
Carson City Health and Human Services reported one COVID-19-related death Tuesday, a woman in her 70s in Lyon County. It is still under investigation if she had underlying health conditions.
In addition, five new cases of COVID-19 were reported Tuesday in the Quad-County region, including three individuals residing in Carson City. One woman in her 20s and another woman under the age of 18, both had connections to a previously confirmed case. A man in his 40s also tested positive and did not have a connection to a known case of COVID-19.
Additionally, two women in Lyon County tested positive for COVID-19, including a woman in her 30s with no connection to a previously reported case, and a woman in her 70s with a connection to a known case.
Free COVID-19 Testing For Incline Residents
By Lucia Starbuck
Incline Village and Crystal Bay residents can get tested for COVID-19 for free, regardless if one has symptoms, at Incline Village Community Hospital on Friday, June 12, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Appointments are not required, but residents will be asked to bring a Nevada driver’s license, along with filling out a questionnaire and consent form before getting tested.
Gov. Sisolak Signs Directive To Allow K-12 Schools And Facilities To Reopen, With Restrictions, For Summer Activities
By Lucia Starbuck
Gov. Steve Sisolak signed a directive Tuesday, which will allow K-12 schools and facilities to reopen with restrictions for summer activities, effective immediately; however, those facilities are not required to open.
The Nevada Department of Education released guidelines for schools across the state.
Under the guidelines, school facilities must operate at 50 percent capacity and may not have more than 50 people in a confined space. All activities must allow students and staff to be able to stand six feet apart. Desks must also be spaced six feet apart.
There should be consistent groupings of students and staff to minimize the spread of COVID-19.
District officials are instructed to work with local health officials to implement screening for students and staff before entering the facility. There should also be hand sanitization at the entrance. Staff and students over the age of five are recommended to wear masks when possible.
It should be noted that any activities occurring at a physical location must be optional. Remote learning may still continue.
Over $33 Million In Funds Awarded To Nevada For Homelessness
By Lucia Starbuck
Nevada was awarded more than $33 million in Emergency Solutions Grants from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, known as HUD, according to a statement by U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen.
The funding will go toward individuals who are experiencing homelessness or who are recovering and need assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Houseless individuals are more at risk of contracting COVID-19 than the general population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Federal Judge Upholds Nevada’s 50 Percent Capacity Directive For Church Gatherings
By The Associated Press
Lawyers for Calvary Chapel Dayton Valley, a church in Dayton, and Calvary Chapel Lone Mountain, located in Las Vegas, argued that places of worship should be allowed to exceed over 50 percent capacity inside, despite Gov. Steve Sisolak’s orders. The lawyers argued that churches are being treated unfairly compared to casinos and recent Black Lives Matter protests. The lawyers argued that the state is failing to enforce social distancing. A federal judge ruled against the churches Tuesday, stating that churches might have a case if there is a pattern of COVID-19 restrictions that single out religious gatherings, but as of right now there is not enough evidence to warrant the court’s involvement.
Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Monday, June 8
7:45 p.m. | June 8, 2020
Washoe County Reports More Than Two Dozen New COVID Cases
By Stephanie Serrano
The Regional Information Center in Washoe County is reporting 29 new cases of COVID-19 Monday, bringing the total positive cases there to 1,772, with more than 1,100 recoveries; 569 cases remain active and 65 people are hospitalized. There have been more than 34,000 COVID-19 tests performed in Washoe County.
Statewide, the Department of Health and Human Services is reporting that more than 440 people have died and there are more than 9,700 positive cases.
Quad-County Sees Three New COVID-19 Cases
By Stephanie Serrano
The Quad-County region, which spans across Carson City, Douglas, Storey and Lyon Counties, is reporting three new positive COVID-19 cases Monday.
This brings the total number of cases to 237 and there have been six deaths. The new cases are two Lyon County residents, a male and woman in their 70s. The third case is a Carson City woman in her 20s.
Elko County Found No New COVID-19 Cases Over The Weekend
By Stephanie Serrano
Elko County is reporting no additional positive cases over the weekend. The total number of cases in the county is 27, with eight active and 18 recovered cases. There has been one death.
The Nevada Department Of Motor Vehicles Set To Reopen
By Stephanie Serrano
The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles is set to reopen statewide Monday, June 15, with limited services. The department will prioritize individuals who have been affected by COVID-19 the most, like those with driver’s license suspensions, no valid form of ID or a newly purchased vehicle with no license plates.
DMV representatives are asking residents to visit dmvnv.com before visiting any office so they are prepared with the necessary documents. They are advising those who do not have immediate needs to avoid the DMV for 30 days. In order to comply with social distancing regulations, people who access in-person services may be asked to wait in their car until it is their turn.
Additionally, offices will reduce the number of people they serve, along with the number of staff present by 50%.
California Schools Form Plan to Reopen For The Fall
By The Associated Press
California's Department of Education has released a detailed how-to guide to safely reopen schools in the age of face masks and physical distancing. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond said it will serve as a road map for school districts as they prepare for the return of classes. The 55-page manual released Monday is titled Stronger Together: A Guidebook for the Safe Reopening of California's Public Schools. Thurmond said many parents have also expressed an interest in continuing online learning, which will be incorporated. Schools across California have been closed since mid-March when Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a statewide stay-at-home order due to the pandemic.
Nevada Set To Hold Primary With Shift To Mail-In Balloting
By The Associated Press
Nevada is attempting a high-wire act of holding its first-ever election almost entirely by mail, reflecting a new law allowing voters to register at the polls while keeping people safe amid the pandemic. Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske limited the number of polling places for the Tuesday primary and instead sent absentee ballots to voters. The top-ticket races include Nevada's four U.S. House members, who are all seeking re-election this year. The three Democrats and one incumbent Republican are expected to survive their primary contests. The primary will settle who they face in November.
Nevada Earns Health Grant To Provide Counselor Access During COVID-19
By Stephanie Serrano
Thirty-five crisis counselors will be deploying across Nevada to provide support to locals who are coping with the effects of COVID-19. The state has been awarded nearly $650,000 for the Crisis Counseling Immediate Services Program through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Counseling will be available in group settings, individual appointments and via telehealth to limit the risk of COVID-19 exposure.
Reno Man Pleads Guilty To Stealing Hundreds Of Surgical Masks
By Stephanie Serrano
A 35-year-old man from Reno pleaded guilty on Thursday before the U.S. district judge for stealing hundreds of surgical masks from a supply at the VA Medical Center in Reno.
Peter Lucas was a member of the Veteran Affairs work therapy program and stole at least four boxes that contained at least 50 masks in March.
He is scheduled to be sentenced in early September.
Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Sunday, June 7
6:48 p.m. | June 7, 2020
Washoe Reports 24 New Positive Cases Sunday
By Michelle Billman
The Regional Information Center in Washoe County is reporting 24 new cases of COVID-19 Sunday, bringing the total positive cases there to 1,743, with more than 1,100 recoveries. 560 cases remain active and 67 people are hospitalized. There have been more than 34,000 COVID-19 tests performed in Washoe County.
In the Quad-Counties, officials are reporting four new positive cases and two additional recoveries. The new cases including three Lyon County residents and a resident of Carson City. The Quad-Counties also include Storey and Douglas Counties. The area now has a total of 234 positive cases, of which 67 remain active.
Statewide, the Nevada's Department of Health and Human Services is reporting that 438 people have died and there are more than 9,600 positive cases.
In California, the LA Times is reporting on its digital tracker more than 4,600 deaths statewide and more than 130,000 positive cases.
Testing Underway For All Residents, Employees At State Veterans Home In Sparks
By Michelle Billman
All residents and employees at the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home in Sparks are being tested for COVID-19. The Nevada Department of Veterans Services made the announcement Saturday, after a staff member tested positive for the virus on Friday. All other test results are pending, according to the statement.
Director Kat Miller says it's the duty of the department "to care for and protect Nevada’s heroes as well as those who care for our heroes.”
Visitation to the home continues to be prohibited. Only staff and vendors may visit, and anyone entering the building must be screened.
Daily updates on the health situation at the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home are available by calling 775-418-5026. That phone line is updated on or before noon each day.
California Allowing More Reopenings Friday
By The Associated Press
California will allow day camps, bars, gyms, campgrounds and professional sports to begin reopening with precautions on Friday. The state released guidance at the end of last week for counties on reopening a broad range of businesses that have been closed since mid-March to slow the spread of the coronavirus. It also includes highly anticipated rules for reopening of schools statewide in the fall, including physical distancing, teachers and students wearing masks, and frequent cleaning. The guidance includes rules on hotels, casinos, museums, zoos and aquariums and resuming music, film and television production.
Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Saturday, June 6
7:48 p.m. | June 6, 2020
Washoe County Reports 34 New Cases Saturday
By Michelle Billman
Washoe County is reporting 34 new positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the total of cases to more than 1,700. The online dashboard updated by the Regional Information Center says that there are 64 people hospitalized and more than 560 active cases. There have been close to 1,100 recoveries as well, and 65 people have died.
Statewide, there have been more than 430 deaths and more than 9,400 confirmed positive cases, according to an online dashboard updated by the Department of Health and Human Services.
Quad-Counties Offer Community Testing For Asymptomatic Residents June 9-10
The Quad-Counties are reporting three new cases Saturday and four recoveries. One new case is in Lyon County and two are in Carson City. The area also includes Storey and Douglas Counties. Overall, the Quad-Counties have reported 230 positive cases and six deaths. There are 65 active cases.
There are two opportunities for residents without symptoms to be tested for COVID-19. On June 9, there will be community testing from 8-11 am at Carson High School. On June 10, there will be more testing from 4-6 pm at Fernley City Hall. Testing is on a first come, first served basis without any appointments available.
Update On RTC Washoe’s Gradual Office Reopening
Washoe County's Regional Transportation Commission, or RTC, is beginning to gradually reopen its physical administrative offices to staff Monday, but those offices will remain closed to the public until the end of phase two of Nevada's reopening.
Customer Service at the RTC 4th Street Station will also remain closed until June 15, when limited access will be available. Customer Service at the RTC Centennial Plaza Station is open and transit services are running on a normal schedule.
RTC is working towards installing hand-sanitizing stations on each bus and the public is asked to reach out to the agency by phone or email. You can find that contact information here.
Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Friday, June 5
7:55 p.m. | June 5, 2020
Nevada Unemployment Filings Continue To Decline
By Bree Zender
The Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation said more than 11,000 people filed for unemployment insurance for the week ending May 30, a drop of 27.4 percent from the previous week's filing.
DETR officials said it was the fifth consecutive week of declines in regular initial claims.
For contract and gig workers, Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program data said that nearly 19,000 claims were filed in the week ending May 30, a 50 percent decline from the previous week.
Four Dead From COVID-19 Effects In Washoe County
By Bree Zender
Washoe County is reporting four additional deaths from the effects of COVID-19. This brings the total amount of deaths in the county to 65.
In addition, 40 more people have been diagnosed with the virus in the county, according to its data, and 38 others have recovered. There are currently 550 active cases in the county. 60 of them are being hospitalized.
Rural Areas In Northern Nevada And The Sierra See More COVID-19 Cases
By Bree Zender
Elko County reported Friday that three people have recovered from COVID-19, and one new person has been diagnosed. It has 8 active cases, according to the county. One resident has died.
In the Quad-Counties, there are seven new positive cases. Five are in Carson City, one is in Douglas County, and one is in Lyon County. There are 227 in that area now, which also includes Storey County. 66 cases remain active.
Lassen County, which is home to Susanville, is reporting that a sixth person has tested positive for the virus.
Residents in Gerlach will be able to get a free COVID-19 test on Monday, June 8. The testing will occur between 9:30 AM and 1:30 PM on Monday, June 8 at the Gerlach Fire Station. Washoe County officials say no appointment is necessary.
Dayton Church Continues Battle With Sisolak On 50-Person Gathering Limit
By The Associated Press
Nevada's lawyers are defending the governor's 50-person cap on religious gatherings in a legal battle with leaders of a rural church. The Church says it violates their constitutional right to exercise their beliefs. Nevada's attorney general is urging a federal judge in Reno to deny an order sought by leaders of Calvary Chapel Dayton Valley. Church leaders say the hard cap violates their religious freedom by treating them differently than many Nevada businesses allowed to reopen at 50% of capacity. A hearing is set Tuesday on their request for a temporary injunction suspending the cap after a judge denied their bid last week for an emergency order.
California Expected To Expand Reopening Next Week
By The Associated Press
California will begin allowing the reopening of day camps, bars, gyms and some professional sports with modifications at the end of next week. Mark Ghaly, the state's top health official, says the state will release guidance later Friday for counties to follow to reopen a broad range of businesses that have been closed since mid-March to slow the spread of the coronavirus. It also includes highly anticipated rules for the reopening of schools, which will apply statewide. Only counties that have met certain thresholds on cases, testing and preparedness will be allowed to reopen other sectors.
Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Thursday, June 4
7:43 p.m. | June 4, 2020
State And Regional COVID-19 Updates For Thursday
By Paul Boger
Health officials in Nevada said 9,090 people have tested positive for COVID-19 statewide since the start of the pandemic.
For Washoe County, health officials are reporting 27 new cases of the coronavirus as well as 29 recoveries. There are 552 cases still active.
In the Quad Counties, Carson City Health and Human Services said 18 new positive cases were confirmed across the region.
They are also reporting one new death; a Carson City man in his 70s. It's unclear whether he had any underlying conditions.
Statewide, 429 people have died.
Gov. Sisolak Says State Is Seeing Overall Decline In COVID-19
By Paul Boger
Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak said the state has seen more than a month of declining rates of coronavirus-related hospitalizations and positive tests for COVID-19.
In a statement, Sisolak said Nevada has made significant progress meeting five benchmarks he set in late April in order to start easing restrictions on gatherings and business closures.
Those benchmarks included strengthening testing capacity in the state, adding protections for vulnerable populations and increased contact tracing in addition to bringing the overall caseload down.
The governor said Nevadans took the threat of the virus seriously and helped the state reopen on the path to a new normal.
His comments came hours after the state's casinos began reopening after being shuttered for more than 11 weeks. More than 9,000 people in Nevada have tested positive for the virus, and 429 have died.
California Health Officials Remain Cautiously Optimistic
By The Associated Press
California's top health official said the state remains in a "range of stability" on coronavirus cases and hospitalizations and will continue moving ahead with reopening efforts. That's despite recent widespread protests over racial injustice that have brought people together in mass gatherings not seen in months. According to health officials, the state plans to keep releasing reopening guidance, although they didn't give specifics. Guidance on how to reopen schools is highly anticipated. Governor Gavin Newsom hasn't given any coronavirus updates this week, after months of steady updates on the state's response.
Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Wednesday, June 3
11:59 p.m. | June 3, 2020
Four More COVID-19 Cases In ‘Quad Counties’
By Noah Glick
Carson City Health and Human Services reported four new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Quad County region Wednesday, bringing the total number of cases to 202.
Three of the new cases are in Douglas Co., a man in his 50s, a man in his 70s and a woman in her 70s. A woman Lyon Co. resident in her 50s also tested positive.
The area that encompasses Carson City, as well as Douglas, Lyon and Storey counties, has experienced five deaths from the disease.
Latest Quad County Numbers:
- Carson City: 99 total cases, 16 active cases, 79 recoveries, 4 deaths
- Douglas County: 35 total cases, 9 active cases, 26 recoveries, 0 deaths
- Lyon County: 67 total cases, 18 active cases, 48 recoveries, 1 death
- Storey County: 1 total case, 0 active cases, 1 recovery, 0 deaths
1:24 p.m. | June 3, 2020
Washoe Co. Sees Dozen New COVID-19 Cases
By Noah Glick
Washoe County officials are reporting 12 new cases of COVID-19 Wednesday, bringing the total countywide to 1,618. But, health officials said they are concerned that recent protests may bring on a new surge of cases.
“There is the potential for spread anytime you have groups of people coming together like that. And that’s why it's’ so important that people, everybody, wear a facial covering when you’re out and about to help to prevent the spread.” said Washoe Co. Health District Officer Kevin Dick.
Additionally, no new deaths and 21 recoveries are also being reported. So far, 61 Washoe County residents have died from the disease.
Current county hospital capacity:
- 68% acute care beds occupied
- 47% intensive care unit beds occupied
- 18% ventilators in use
The county is conducting community-wide testing for people without symptoms. Anyone interested can sign up for a test at covid19washoe.com or by calling 775-328-4247.
Nevada Conducting Enough Tests And Contact Tracing, Officials Say
By Noah Glick
As the state continues to reopen, officials said Nevada is on track in terms of COVID-19 testing and contact tracing.
Dr. Mark Pandori is the state’s chief of testing. He said as the state reopens, testing is going to play a major role.
“Outside of social distancing, the only real weapon, or shield if you like, against COVID-19 we have here in Nevada and all over the world, is testing,” Pandori explained.
Pandori said as the state reopens its economy, testing is going to play a major role in stemming the spread. He said about 6,000 tests are performed every day across the state, a figure that’s actually much higher than the governor’s testing plan released Monday.
Pandori said this increased capacity will help in case of a surge of new cases, but also to provide valuable, real-time information to officials.
“So, now as we move forward and we employ different strategies or we make decisions about how we reopen, what testing is doing, is it's going to feed back to us the intelligence we need to know whether we’re making good decisions for Nevadans,” he said.
Officials said that around 600 contact tracers are available and that all new COVID-19 cases will be reviewed and potential contacts will be notified within 24 hours.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Phone Line Sees Record Calls, Delays
By Noah Glick
A record number of Nevadans have called in for pandemic unemployment assistance this week.
According to the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation, nearly 140,000 calls were made on the first day of the line being open on Monday.
DETR Director Heather Korbulic said the department is working to hire and train more workers as quickly as possible. She also urges people who cannot get through to a live person on the phone to check the status of their claim online.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, or PUA, is separate from unemployment insurance, and is only available to those who have exhausted all other types of unemployment assistance. Only Nevadans who have been instructed to call the PUA line should do so.
Yosemite Latest National Park To Open Access
By Noah Glick
Beginning Friday, Yosemite National Park is opening up a bit more for visitors.
The park announced its increasing recreational access, including access to the Yosemite Wilderness to those with an existing permit reservation and to those with an existing Half Dome permit.
Park officials say a full return will still continue to be done in phases, and services may be limited. Officials urge visitors to follow all federal, state and local guidelines, including health orders, and Leave No Trace principles, and to avoid crowding or high-risk activities.
Elko Co. Hospital Allowing Visitors Again
By Noah Glick
The Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital in Elko announced that it is now allowing most patients to have one daily visitor. The new policy is effective immediately.
Officials said the decision comes as the number of COVID-19 cases is lower than what officials had projected for the region. The hospital is also gradually resuming non-essential services.
On Wednesday, Elko Co. reported one new case of COVID-19, a woman in her 50s, and one additional recovery. The total number of cases countywide is 26.
Placer County Enters Into Phase 2 Of Reopening
By Noah Glick
Businesses in Placer Co., Calif. can now reopen, as long as they follow state guidelines to protect the spread of COVID-19.
Under Phase 2 of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s plan, several types of businesses can now reopen, including dine-in restaurants, shopping centers, office-based businesses, car washes, churches, barbershops, among others.
Business owners looking for guidance can get more information here.
Get Caught Up:
- June 2 | Regional Updates
- More Than 176,000 COVID-19 Tests Performed Statewide
- Elko Reports Two New COVID-19 Cases Tuesday
- Quad-Counties Report One New Case Of COVID-19, Will Hold Testing For Any Resident on June 9
- Hot August Nights Canceled For 2020 Due To COVID-19 Concerns
For continued updates on the novel coronavirus in Nevada, visit our updates and resourcespage.
