Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Tuesday, June 2
8:24 p.m. | June 2, 2020
More Than 176,000 COVID-19 Tests Performed Statewide
By Lucia Starbuck
There are 420 COVID-19-related deaths in Nevada as of Tuesday evening, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. There have also been more than 176,000 COVID-19 tests performed in the state.
There are 1,606 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Washoe County. Twenty-one new cases were reported Tuesday.
Elko Reports Two New COVID-19 Cases Tuesday
By Lucia Starbuck
In Elko, officials are reporting two new positive cases and one new recovery. One of the new cases is a man in his 40s who was a close contact of a person who tested positive for COVID-19. Additionally, a man in his 30s also tested positive for COVID-19, and his case is under investigation for how he became exposed to the virus.
One of the new positive cases was tested during a community-based testing event last week. More than 1,100 people were tested during that event. The other new case was not related to last week’s testing event. Elko County now has 25 confirmed cases and 10 active cases. One person there has died from COVID-19.
Quad-Counties Report One New Case Of COVID-19, Will Hold Testing For Any Resident on June 9
By Lucia Starbuck
The Carson City Health and Human Services (CCHHS) reported one new positive case of COVID-19 Tuesday: a 70-year-old woman in Lyon County.
Quad-County residents can get tested for COVID-19, regardless if one has symptoms, at Carson High School on June 9, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. About 400 tests are available, and testing is first come, first served. Appointments and reservations are not being taken.
- There have been 99 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and four COVID-19-related deaths in Carson City.
- There have been 32 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and no COVID-19-related deaths in Douglas county.
- There have been 66 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and one COVID-19-related death in Lyon County.
Hot August Nights Canceled For 2020 Due To COVID-19 Concerns
By Lucia Starbuck
Hot August Nights, an annual event in Northern Nevada that celebrates classic cars and draws large crowds of tourists to the region, is postponed until next year. The organizers of the event, Motorsport Auction Group, made the announcement Tuesday, saying that their goal is to protect vendors, staff, and the community from the risk of spreading COVID-19.
No more than 50 people are allowed to gather under phase two of Governor Steve Sisolak’s reopening plans.
Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Monday, June 1
7:35 p.m. | June 1, 2020
Nevada To Open Casinos Amid 421 COVID-19-Related Deaths
By The Associated Press
Nevada health officials are reporting the state's total number of COVID-19 cases is now close to 8,700. The number of known deaths is up to 421 as of Monday. Gov. Steve Sisolak last week eased closure orders enacted to prevent groups of people from gathering and possibly spreading communicable COVID-19. He said gambling can resume Thursday under strict rules and oversight of gambling regulators. Casino companies have begun calling back some of their hundreds of thousands of furloughed employees.
Washoe County Reports New COVID-19-Related Death Monday
By Stephanie Serrano
The Washoe County Regional Information Center is reporting a new COVID-19-related death: A woman in her 80s with underlying health conditions. There are a total of 61 COVID-19 related deaths in the county.
Additionally, there are 8 new coronavirus cases and 77 recoveries reported Monday. The large jump in recoveries is related to a review of recoveries from state-licensed facilities. The county is still facing 549 active cases with 58 currently hospitalized.
In the Quad-Counties, officials reported four new positive cases and five recoveries Monday. The new cases include three in Lyon County and one in Carson City. The Quad-Counties also include Douglas and Storey Counties. Total cases in that region are approaching 200.
A New Mental Health Resource Starts Up For Frontline Workers
By Stephanie Serrano
Nevada health care workers who may be struggling with their behavioral health at this time will now have access to a new mental health resource. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas and the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health launched the Nevada HealthCARES warmline, a toll-free phone to help health care workers deal with stress management and emotional support.
The Nevada HealthCARES Warmline is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 833-434-0385.
Elko County School District Creates Reopening Committee
By Stephanie Serrano
The Elko County School District is forming a committee in charge of reopening schools in response to the current shutdown caused by COVID-19.
The committee will include several community voices like health officials, administrators, teachers and parents. The representatives will look at resolving health and academic issues caused by the pandemic.
City of Reno Rolls out Reopening Plan For Parks And Recreation
By Stephanie Serrano
The City of Reno is planning to reopen several parks and summer recreation activities including public swimming pools with regulations. The closures were established to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Next Monday residents are welcome to reserve one lane at both Idlewild Pool and Northwest Pools in 45-minute increments with a maximum of three swimmers per lane. Community members are encouraged to come to the pools showered and dressed ready to swim because locker rooms will be closed.
Residents may call 775-334-2267 or 775-334-2203 to reserve a lane up to 48 hours in advance.
Renown Health Partially Lifts Hospital Visitor Regulation
By Stephanie Serrano
Washoe County residents who may have family, friends or loved ones currently hospitalized in Renown Regional Hospital may now pay them a visit with some restrictions.
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospital stopped welcoming visitors into the building in order to help mitigate the spread of the virus. Now, as the city moves into phase 2 of reopening, the hospital is welcoming limited visitors back.
Renown officials say one healthy adult visitor is allowed to accompany a patient to their medical visit or hospital stay.
Mono County Expands COVID-19 Testing To Asymptomatic Residents
By Stephanie Serrano
Community-based COVID-19 testing is now available to asymptomatic residents of Mono County. The drive-up post will launch June 2 and residents over the age of 18 may sign up for a test between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. online.
Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Sunday, May 31
8:57 p.m. | May 31, 2020
Washoe Co. Reports 29 New COVID-19 Cases Sunday, Community Testing Taking Place This Week
By Michelle Billman
The Regional Information Center is reporting 29 additional COVID-19 cases in Washoe County and 12 recoveries Sunday.
The total number of known COVID-19 cases in Washoe County is now 1,577, there have been 60 deaths, 619 cases remain active, and there are currently 58 people hospitalized. The total number of COVID-19 tests performed in Washoe County is now more than 27,000.
According to the Nevada Hospital Association, in Washoe County:
69 percent of all staffed short-term, acute-care hospital beds are occupied
43 percent of the all Intensive Care Unit beds are occupied
16 percent of all ventilators are in use
These numbers are for all hospital patients in Washoe County and not just COVID-19 patients.
Health officials say any resident in Washoe County can get a COVID-19 test at the Washoe County drive-through test site this week by registering online in English or Spanish. You can also call 775-328-2427.
Quad Counties Report Four New Cases, Offering More COVID-19 Community Testing
By Michelle Billman
In the Quad Counties, officials are reporting four new positive cases Sunday. They include three Carson City residents and one resident of Douglas County. The total number of cases in that region is nearing 200 and stands now at 193. The region also includes Storey and Lyon Counties.
Health officials in the Quad Counties are offering additional community-based COVID-19 testing for Quad-County residents without symptoms. According to a press release:
The first event will be Tuesday, June 2, from 8 am to 11 am at East Fork Protection District Station 12 (3620 North Sunridge Dr., Carson City.) Approximately 200 tests will be available to residents of Carson City, Douglas County, Lyon County, and Storey County. Testing is being done on a first come first serve basis; no appointments or reservations are being taken.
Testing of Quad-County residents is continuing to expand. Additional community-based testing opportunities will be announced as they become available. Follow us on Facebook @CCHHS or on Twitter @CCHealthEd for community-based testing location announcements.
For those who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have questions, call the Quad-County COVID-19 Hotline Monday through Saturday, 8 am to 5 pm. Spanish speakers are available. The phone number is (775) 283-4789.
Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Saturday, May 30
9:48 p.m. | May 30, 2020
Washoe Co. Has Had 60 Deaths Related To COVID-19
By PaulBoxer
A woman in her 90s with underlying health conditions is the 60th novel coronavirus-related death in Washoe County.
Health officials also reported 17 new cases of the disease and 30 recoveries Saturday.
So far, there have been 1,548 cases reported in Washoe County. 602 remain active.
In the Quad Counties, officials are reporting two new positive cases. One is a Douglas County resident and the other is a Lyon County resident. 45 cases remain active in that area, which also includes Storey County and Carson City.
Statewide in Nevada, 8,495 people have tested positive for the virus. 417 have died.
Along the eastern Sierra, three new cases were reported each in Placer and El Dorado Counties, Friday.
Statewide in California, more than 109,000 people have contracted the virus. More than 4,100 people have died, according to a tracker by the LA Times.
Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Friday, May 29
7:38 p.m. | May 29, 2020
Washoe County Sees Highest One-Day COVID-19 Death Toll Friday
By Bree Zender
The Washoe County Regional Information Center reported four additional deaths related to COVID-19 Friday afternoon.
According to the county, this is the most COVID-related deaths the county has seen in one day.
Three of the deceased are women in their 80s with underlying health conditions. Health officials are investigating whether a man in his 60s who died had any underlying health conditions.
In addition, the county reported 17 more cases of the virus, with 22 recoveries. Six hundred sixteen people in the county are known to have active cases of COVID-19.
In the Quad Counties region, which includes Carson City and Lyon, Storey and Douglas Counties, five more people have tested positive for the coronavirus: four Lyon County residents and one Carson City resident. Four have recovered, according to Carson City Health and Human Services.
Forty-four people in the Quad County region are known to have active cases of the disease, two of whom are hospitalized.
Statewide, 8,350 people have tested positive for the virus, and 415 people have died from its effects.
Sisolak Advises Symptomatic Travelers To Avoid Nevada
By Bree Zender
Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak issued anadvisory to travelers to the state Friday afternoon as casinos prepare to reopen on June 4. Sisolak said that those who have active cases of COVID-19, presumed cases of the virus, and people who are otherwise exhibiting symptoms to avoid traveling to the state.
The governor added that healthy travelers are advised to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. They include wearing a face covering, and keeping six feet of physical distance from others.
This week Sisolak set a goal date for casinos to open next Thursday, with restrictions. Nevada entered Phase Two of reopening Friday, which included the limited opening of bars.
Judge Rejects Dayton Church’s Lawsuit Aimed At Gathering More Congregants
By The Associated Press
A federal judge rejected a rural Nevada church's request Friday for an emergency injunction that would allow it to exceed Gov. Steve Sisolak's 50-person cap on religious gatherings. Calvary Chapel in Dayton, southeast of Reno, filed a lawsuit last week arguing the previous ban on religious gatherings of more than 10 people was unconstitutional. Sisolak raised the limit to 50 people when he announced this week the reopening of several business categories previously considered non-essential. Church leaders said the new limit still violates their religious freedom under the First Amendment.
4:06 p.m. | May 29, 2020
Nevada COVID-19 Testing Nearly Triples In May
By Bree Zender
In May, statewide efforts to ramp up coronavirus testing in Nevada bore fruit.
According to statewide data, the average number of tests performed per day in May so far has nearly tripled April’s average, from almost 1,300 tests per day to nearly 3,600 per day.
Throughout the month, several counties in Nevada began to offer testing to people who aren’t experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, as people can still have the disease and spread it to others, while not experiencing any symptoms.
As of Friday morning’s statewide data update, 8,350 people are confirmed to have COVID-19, and 410 people have died from its effects.
Lassen County To Reopen Dine-In Restaurants And Retail Stores After Small Outbreak
By The Associated Press
A remote Northern California county that had been the first to backtrack on its reopening plan has reversed itself again and decided to allow dining in restaurants and shopping in stores. Officials said it successfully mitigated its first small coronavirus outbreak. Lassen County was one of only two counties without a confirmed case until last week. Health department workers tracked down four cases connected to the original patient and county moved to restrict business. The county health officer on Thursday rescinded his previous order to restrict restaurants to only serving takeout and stores to only conducting curbside pickup.
Pacific Crest Trail Association Asks Long-Distance Hikers To Stay Off Trail
By Bree Zender
Around this time of year, thousands of hikers would be preparing to trek the Sierra section of the Pacific Crest Trail — the 2,600-mile hiking trail that starts and ends at the Canadian and Mexican borders. But with the pandemic, many have had to cancel these months-long trips.
Much of the trail is still open, but several of the national parks it goes through are currently closed. Mark Larabee is with the Pacific Crest Trail Association. He said it’s difficult to enforce, but the association is asking long-distance hikers to stay away from the trail.
“We wanted to minimize the number of people that were walking into these small towns,” Larabee said.
In the Sierra, hikers tend to visit towns near the trail to resupply on food and gear, in places like Bishop, Bridgeport, South Lake Tahoe and Truckee.
Larabee said short backpacking trips or day hikes are fine for people to enjoy, as long as it is nearby where you live. He added that hikers need to make sure their goals are conservative in terms of risk, in order to avoid contact with first responders.
Stark Casino, Airport Numbers Show Effect Of Nevada Closures
By The Associated Press
Bleak numbers show the economic impact of Nevada casino and business closures because of the coronavirus pandemic. With most businesses and all gambling establishments shuttered through April, state regulators reported Friday that monthly gambling tax revenues were down nearly 100% compared with a year ago. Gov. Steve Sisolak this week lifted closure orders on more businesses and said gambling can resume on June 4. The casino closures led to a 99.6% decrease in house winnings in April compared to the same month in 2019. McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas reported it had less than 4% of the passengers it had in April 2019.
Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Thursday, May 28
7:16 p.m. | May 28, 2020
COVID-19 Cases Continue To Slowly Climb In Washoe
By Paul Boger
The Washoe County Regional Information Center said a man in his 60s with underlying health conditions is the 55th COVID-19-related death in the area.
New data released Thursday shows there are 29 new cases of the disease and 21 recoveries.
In all, health officials said there are currently 625 active COVID-19 cases in Washoe County; that's the county's highest active caseload since the start of the pandemic.
Countywide, nearly 1,514 people have contracted the coronavirus.
In the Quad-Counties region, recoveries edged out new cases Thursday. Forty-three cases remain active around the Capital City.
Statewide, 8,208 people have contracted the virus. Four hundred and ten people have died.
Nev. Posts Highest Jobless Rate In U.S. History
By The Associated Press
Nevada jobless figures continue to climb, with more than 18,000 people filing first-time claims for benefits last week. That will add to the record 28.2% statewide unemployment figure in April. The U.S. Labor Department tally on Thursday comes after the state reported that Nevada unemployment is higher than any state ever, topping even the 25% nationwide estimates made during the Great Depression. Figures show that more than one-third of all workers in the state filed for unemployment since casino and business closures in mid-March. Gov. Steve Sisolak said this week that casinos can reopen June 4.
Cali. Senate Rejects Gov. Newsom’s Plan To Cut Education, Health Funding
By The Associated Press
California's Democratic-led Senate has rejected a proposal by Governor Gavin Newsom to cut funding for public education and health care programs in order to address the state's multi-billion dollar deficit. The Senate's plan would spend about $8 billion more on public education than Newsom's plan, but it would delay $9 billion in payments to K-12 public schools and community colleges for at least one year. It means school districts could go ahead and spend the money and the state would pay them later. It's one of many contentious issues the governor and legislative leaders must negotiate as they head toward a June 15 deadline to pass an operating budget. According to estimates, California may be facing a $54 billion shortfall due to COVID-19-related shutdowns.
MMA, Boxing To Return To Nevada
By The Associated Press
Mixed martial arts and boxing are back in business in Nevada. The Nevada Athletic Commission has unanimously agreed to allow two UFC events and two Top Rank boxing shows in Las Vegas over the next two weeks. The decision ends the moratorium on combat sports in Nevada in place since March 14, when the commission stopped competition amid the coronavirus pandemic. The UFC immediately confirmed its plans to stage a show without fans in attendance on Saturday night at the UFC Apex arena on its expansive corporate complex, followed by the UFC 250 pay-per-view show at the same place on June 6.
Nevada Health Officials Unveil New App
By Paul Boger
Health officials in Nevada have released a new 2-1-1 app to help more Nevadans connect with the resources they need.
In a press release issued Thursday, the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services announced the free service that includes information about health and human service programs along with resources available throughout the state.
The app can be accessed online at Nevada211.org, by dialing 2-1-1, or by texting your zip code to 898211.
Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Wednesday, May 27
7:21 p.m. | May 27, 2020
Nevada Reaches 400 COVID-19 Deaths
By Noah Glick
More than 400 people have now died from COVID-19 in Nevada.
According to the latest numbers from the Department of Health and Human Services, 402 Nevadans have died. Statewide, 8,113 people have tested positive for the virus.
Health officials in Washoe County reported 26 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 Wednesday. In addition, 12 more people have recovered.
As of Wednesday evening, 1,485 people in Washoe County have tested positive for COVID-19, and 54 people have died.
Current hospital capacity in Washoe County:
- Acute care hospital beds: 68% occupied
- Intensive care unit beds: 50% occupied
- Ventilators: 13% in use
Gov. Sisolak Tests Negative For COVID-19
By Noah Glick
After canceling a scheduled press conference this week due to a potential exposure to COVID-19, Gov. Steve Sisolak announced Wednesday that he has tested negative for the virus.
After visiting the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation last week, Sisolak learned of an employee who tested positive.
The governor made the announcement on Twitter and said, “The test collection was quick, easy and painless. I urge Nevadans to take advantage of our expanded testing capacity if they think they may be exposed.”
Today, I learned that the COVID19 swab test I took last night came back negative. The test collection was quick, easy and painless. I urge Nevadans to take advantage of our expanded testing capacity if they think they may be exposed. pic.twitter.com/ZOozT5n2fu
— Governor Sisolak (@GovSisolak) May 28, 2020
Health Official Urges Extra Precautions As State Begins To Reopen
By Noah Glick
Nevada is set to enter Phase 2 of reopening its economy Friday, and Washoe County District Health Officer Kevin Dick said it’s important to remain vigilant.
During a press call Wednesday, Dick said health officials anticipate more spread of the virus as the state reopens. That’s why it’s imperative people take extra precautions as they return to their daily lives.
“We need to be vigilant and if we work really hard, I think we can have our economy reopen and hopefully we can get some further reduction of cases from people just being responsible and doing their part for everyone in the community,” Dick said.
Officials are offering community COVID-19 testing for people without symptoms. Residents in Washoe County can reserve a time slot online beginning Friday, for testing next week.
Elko County Offering Community COVID-19 Testing
By Noah Glick
Starting Wednesday, Elko County began offering confidential, drive-thru COVID-19 testing for residents, with or without symptoms.
The drive-thru testing is taking place at the Elko Convention Center on Moren Way. Testing is available Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Anyone interested in getting tested needs to register online. You can do that here.
Several COVID-19 Updates For Rural Counties Reported Wednesday
By Noah Glick
Elko County reported two new positive cases of COVID-19 Wednesday, a man in his 50s and a woman in her 30s. Across the county, 24 people have tested positive for the virus. Thirteen people have since recovered, and 1 person has died in Elko County.
In Humboldt County, officials are announcing no new cases Wednesday, leaving the total number of cases at 78. Four people have died in Humboldt County.
Free community-based testing is available in the area at the following dates and locations:
- Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Pershing County Community Center
- Monday, June 1, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Grass Valley Community Center
Carson City Health and Human Services is reporting one new death in Lyon County, a woman in her 70s with underlying health conditions. Additionally, two new positive cases of COVID-19 are being reported in the Quad County region: a Carson City woman in her 30s and a Douglas County woman in her 40s. There was also one additional recovery.
Quad County Numbers:
- Carson City: 91 total cases, 29 active cases, 58 recoveries, 4 deaths
- Douglas County: 30 total cases, 5 active cases, 25 recoveries, 0 deaths
- Lyon County: 56 total cases, 10 active cases, 45 recoveries, 1 death
Storey County: 1 total case, 0 active cases, 1 recovery, 0 deaths
Nevada Senators Demand Funding For Local Governments Decimated By COVID-19
By Noah Glick
Nevada’s U.S. Senators are calling on Congressional leaders to include fiscal support for local governments in the next coronavirus stimulus package.
During a conference call alongside frontline workers, Democrats Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen demanded more funding for local governments in the next stimulus package.
Sen. Cortez Masto said federal intervention is needed to fund public services, like firefighters and EMTs.
“Something that we have to focus on and ensure at the federal level, we are providing the much-needed relief to our state and local governments like we are to everyone else if we’re all going to come out of this together,” Sen. Cortez Masto said.
Sen. Rosen said the pandemic is presenting serious budget challenges for communities across the country.
“State, local, county governments are being squeezed on both sides,” Sen. Rosen said. “They’ve had to spend billions of dollars on emergency response while losing tax revenue.”
Both are urging Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to take up the next round of coronavirus stimulus funding. House Democrats this month passed a $3 trillion spending package. Republicans are unlikely to pass that measure.
According to CNBC, McConnell said he wants to see how states fare as they begin reopening their economies, before deciding what Congress will do.
Nevada Senators Demand Funding For Local Governments Decimated By COVID-19
By Danna O'Connor
During his one-year review, City Manager Neil Krutz asked the mayor and council members to forego awarding him a 5% merit increase and voluntarily waived a 2.8% cost of living adjustment due to the financial circumstances created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Krutz also asked the council to reduce his present salary by 5% through fiscal year 2021.
Sparks Mayor Ron Smith applauded Krutz for his willingness to take a pay cut, saying he has done an excellent job during his first year as Sparks City Manager.
The Sparks chiefs of fire and police, two assistant city managers, parks and recreation director and chief financial officer will also take a 5% pay reduction and forego cost of living increases and merit awards.
The mayor and city council also indicated a willingness to reduce their salaries during the first council meeting in June.
The cost savings associated with the salary reductions is expected to be $165,000 in fiscal year 2021.
Get Caught Up:
- May 26 | Regional Updates
- Nevada Can Enter Phase 2 Of Reopening Process Friday
- Washoe County Sees High COVID-19 Cases Among Homeless Community
- Washoe County To Test Asymptomatic Residents For COVID-19 Next Week
- Lassen County Slows Down Reopening Phases
- Washoe County Libraries Announce Soft Reopening Phase
- Quad-County Reports Two New COVID-19 Cases
- Gaming Control Board Discusses Rules For Reopening
- Trump Administration Says Nevada’s Reopening Plan Unfairly Targets Religious Gatherings
For continued updates on the novel coronavirus in Nevada, visit our updates and resourcespage.
