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Novel Coronavirus In Nevada: May 13-19

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, May 19

8:23 p.m. | May 19, 2020

Washoe Co. Health Officials Say More Cases Indicate Community Spread
By Danna O'Connor

The Regional Information Center is reporting 29 new cases of COVID-19 in Washoe County.

Health officials warn that the increase in positive cases is significant and indicates community spread of COVID-19. They are stressing the importance of staying at home, practicing social distancing and using facial masks.

The total number of COVID-19 cases in Washoe County is now at 1,295. Six hundred and eighty-nine people have recovered, and 48 people have died.

Elko Co. Reports One New Case Tuesday
By Danna O'Connor

Officials in Elko County are reporting one new positive case of COVID-19 Tuesday. It’s a male resident in his 70s who was in close contact with another confirmed case. He is self-isolating at home.

Elko currently has 22 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus. Thirteen people have recovered and one has died.

The county has performed 894 tests for COVID-19. Eight hundred and seventy-two of those tests were negative.

Quad Counties Report Five New Cases Tuesday
By Danna O'Connor

Carson City Health and Human Services is reporting five new positive cases of COVID-19 in the Quad-County region, along with one additional recovery. The Quad Counties include Carson City, along with Lyon, Douglas, and Storey Counties.

The new cases are:

  • A female Lyon County resident in her 70s
  • A male Carson City resident in his 50s
  • A male Carson City resident in his 40s
  • A female Carson City resident in her 50s
  • A male Carson City resident in his 20s

This brings the total number of cases to 150 in that area, with 103 recoveries and three deaths; 44 cases remain active.

Nevada Gets Nearly $89 Million From CDC For Testing
By Danna O'Connor

Nevada is getting much-needed funding to expand testing for the novel coronavirus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will give nearly $89 million to the state to develop, purchase, administer, and process COVID-19 tests and to increase contact tracing.

Nevada’s U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto said in a statement that using the funds to increase testing for the virus will help the Silver State get back to work as safely and quickly as possible.

The money comes from the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act.

More Than 6,000 People Sign Up For Nevada’s Health Insurance Exchange During Special Pandemic Enrollment Period
By Danna O'Connor

More than 6,000 people in Nevada bought coverage through the state's health insurance exchange during a special enrollment period related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a press release, the new enrollments account for an almost eight percent jump in the number of people seeking insurance through the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange.

The special open enrollment period for people who hadn't signed up for insurance last fall began in mid-March and ended Friday.

Nevada is one of 13 states operating its own exchange after relying previously on a federal website set up under former President Barack Obama's health law.



Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Monday, May 18

7:49 p.m. | May 18, 2020

Washoe County Sees A New COVID-19 Death
By Stephanie Serrano

The Regional Information Center for Washoe County is reporting one new COVID-19-related death, a female in her 90s with underlying health conditions. The current death toll is 48.

In addition, 10 new COVID-19 cases are being reported, bringing the total number of cases to 1,266. There are 546 active cases.

A Third COVID-19 Death Has Been Reported In Carson City
By Stephanie Serrano

The Quad County region, which encompasses Carson City, Douglas, Lyon and Storey Counties, is reporting its third death. The individual was a man in his 80s. It is unknown if the man had underlying health conditions at this time.

Additionally, the Quad County region is reporting one new case, a Lyon County man in his 70s, bringing the total number of cases to 145 with 102 recoveries.

Nye County Reports Its First COVID-19-related Death
By Stephanie Serrano

Nye County health officials are reporting the county’s first COVID-19-related death. According to KTVN, the Pahrump resident contracted the disease outside of the county and died outside of the county as well.

Elko County Identifies Its 21st COVID-19 Case
By Stephanie Serrano

Elko County is reporting one new positive COVID-19 case. The man is in his 50s and is self-isolating at home; the case is still under investigation.

The county currently has 7 active cases, 13 recovered cases and one death.

Humboldt County Confirms Three New COVID-19 Cases
By Stephanie Serrano

A woman in her 20s and a woman in her 40s both had contact with a previous positive case; they are self-isolating at home.

A woman in her 50s is self-isolating at home and her case is still under investigation.

The total number of Humboldt county cases is 74. The county has 13 recoveries and three deaths.

Las Vegas Invests In New Technology For COVID-19 Contact Tracing
By The Associated Press

Health officials in Las Vegas say they have added resources to COVID-19 contact tracing. Southern Nevada Health District officials said Monday more than 60 investigators are now working to trace more than 5,400 reported COVID-19 cases in and around Las Vegas. They have also adopted an automated system to use text and email to notify people who may have had contact with people who have tested positive for the virus. Officials call quick identification of people exposed to the virus an important step toward preventing the spread of the contagious respiratory illness.

California Governor Proposes $2.9 Billion For Future COVID-19 Expenses
By The Associated Press

Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to spend $2.9 billion on future coronavirus-related expenses with little oversight from the state Legislature. The proposal is concerning to some California legislative leaders. Lawmakers approved a similar spending arrangement earlier this year. Since then, they have asked Newsom for more transparency after several high-priced deals for personal protective equipment failed to materialize. A Department of Finance spokesperson said the proposal uses the same language that the Legislature approved earlier this year. He said the administration still needs the ability to act quickly to an evolving public health crisis.

California Casino Sees Big Crowd After Reopening
By The Associated Press

One of California's largest tribal casinos in San Diego reopened Monday to a large crowd of customers who had their temperatures taken at the door and were ordered to wear facial coverings. The opening comes amid concerns from some public health officials who acknowledged tribes are sovereign authorities and not subject to state and local restrictions. Within an hour of opening the first three floors of the four-story parking garage were full.


Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Sunday, May 17

8:31 p.m. | May 17, 2020

Washoe County Sees Largest One-Day Jump in COVID-19 Cases, Nearly Half In Sparks Assisted Living Facility

By Bree Zender

 

The Washoe County Regional Information Center reported that 54 additional people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the county on Sunday, and 37 more people have recovered from the disease. A press releasesaid that this is the county’s highest one-day jump in cases so far. 

 

Health officials attributed the rise to an outbreak at a state-licensed residential health facility, Arbors Memory Care in Sparks. Nearly half of Sunday’s confirmed cases came from this facility. 

 

In addition, Washoe County officials said more people are socializing outside of their homes, which “is a reason for the increase.” 

 

County officials also reported another death related to COVID-19, a woman in her 90s with underlying health conditions. She is the 47th person to die from the disease’s effects in the county.

 

Across the county, 1,256 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in total and 647 of them have made recoveries.

 

Sunday’s release said that Washoe County is anticipating a rise in its number of cases because in a Friday press conference, Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak asked that more people seek testing.

 

Statewide, approximately 20 percent of COVID-19 deaths have been at state-licensed facilities. 69 of those deaths were patients and 2 were staff members. 

Case Updates In Northern Nevada And The Eastern Sierra

By Bree Zender

 

The Quad Counties Emergency Operations Center said Sunday that one additional Carson City resident tested positive. Fifty known COVID-19 cases are currently active in their coverage area, which includes Lyon, Storey, and Douglas Counties, as well as Carson City.

 

In the Sierra, Mono County added one positive case, bringing its total number to 34. Mono’s death total remains at one.  

 

In Nevada and the Sierra, a few counties continue to have no confirmations of COVID-19 cases. These include Pershing, Eureka, Esmeralda, Sierra and Plumas Counties.

 

Washoe Co. Sheriff’s Detention Deputy Tests Positive For COVID-19

By Bree Zender

 

A Washoe County Sheriff’s detention deputy has tested positive for COVID-19, according to a Sheriff’s Office release. This person is the fifth employee of the Washoe County Sheriff's Office to test positive.

 

Officials say the deputy was feeling symptoms on May 14, after leaving work. The Sheriff’s Office tested another employee who was working with the positive individual on May 14. That test came back negative. The office says it is quarantining an additional six personnel who worked around the deputy who tested positive.

 

Sheriff’s officials said they are working with the county’s health district in an investigation of the matter.

Nevada Tribes Wary Of Spread Of Coronavirus On Reservations

By The Associated Press

Since the coronavirus prompted widespread casino and business closures in Nevada in March, the Moapa Band of Paiutes has prioritized protecting tribe members, particularly elders. 

No positive COVID-19 cases were being reported on the Moapa River Indian Reservation outside Las Vegas. But COVID-19 has affected the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony and the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation, which closed its namesake lake north of Reno to tourists after tribe members tested positive. 

An official with the Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada tells the Las Vegas Sun that many tribe elders live in intergenerational households where the disease could easily spread.

 


Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Saturday, May 16

10:30 p.m. | May 16, 2020

COVID-19 Updates For Quad Counties, Washoe, And Humboldt

By Bree Zender& Michelle Billman

The Quad Counties Emergency Operations Center, which covers Carson City, Douglas, Storey and Lyon Counties, said out of nearly 1,700 COVID-19 test results of asymptomatic individuals, one has come back positive. 

The agency is waiting for about 100 more test results to come back.

Saturday, the Emergency Operations Center reported five more Carson City residents and one Douglas County resident have tested positive for COVID-19. Three more people have recovered.

This brings the total number of active cases in the region to 49.

In Washoe County, there were 12 new cases added Saturday to the online dashboard run by the Regional Information Center, bringing the total COVID-19 cases there to 1,202. The death toll remains at 46.

The Nevada Independent is reporting that Humboldt County has a total of 71 positive cases in its detailed case tracker, and the county’s death toll remains at 3.

Statewide, 6,662 people have tested positive for the virus this year, and 349 people have died, according to a state-run online dashboard

Elko Co. Reports Two New COVID-19 Cases

By Michelle Billman

The Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health reported two new positive COVID-19 cases for Elko County and one additional recovery Saturday. The total number of confirmed cases in Elko Co. is 20. There have been 13 recoveries, one death, and 6 cases remain active. 

The new cases include a male in his 40s, who is a close contact of another confirmed positive case, and a woman in her 30s. It is believed that the woman is a close contact of another confirmed positive case, but that’s still under investigation. Both are self-isolating at home. 

 

Protestors Return To Nevada Governor’s Mansion

By KUNR staff

 

Roughly 150 protestors returned to the Governor’s Mansion in Carson City Saturday to demonstrate against Governor Steve Sisolak’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Reno Gazette Journal is reporting that some of the protestors held signs calling for the governor’s resignation and some were armed. 

The paper said few of the participants appeared to be wearing masks, a practice encouraged by many health experts. Law enforcement officers were on scene, but the event remained peaceful. Demonstrations have been held at this location for multiple weeks now. 

 

Nevada State Lab Planning May Start For Antibody Tests

By The Associated Press

The Nevada State Public Health Laboratory plans to begin antibody studies this month to better understand how many people have been infected by the new coronavirus and how many may have some immunity. 

The public lab director at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine tells the Las Vegas Review-Journal the goal is to get a handle on how dangerous the virus causing COVID-19 is and will be. 

Unlike tests for current infection, antibody tests are to detect immune system proteins indicating previous infection. That can help policymakers weigh risks of reopening stores, casinos and schools.

 

California Governor: Shrink Prisons To Help Cut Budget

By The Associated Press

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is proposing to significantly shrink the footprint of his state’s juvenile and adult prison system.

It's partly because of massive budget cuts prompted by the pandemic, but it's also a philosophical decision.

The revised budget he sent to state lawmakers this week envisions closing two state prisons in coming years. He proposes shuttering nearly one of every five inmate firefighter camps, and he wants to eventually close all three state-run juvenile prisons.

He's also seeking expanded sentencing credits that help inmates get out of prison sooner. The moves have pleased criminal justice reform groups but have upset crime victims' advocates.

 

Coronavirus Masks A Boon For Crooks Who Hide Their Faces

By The Associated Press

There's a troubling new reality for law enforcement in the age of the coronavirus. Masks have made criminals stand apart, long before bandanna-wearing robbers knocked over stagecoaches in the Old West and ski-masked bandits held up banks. 

But today, masks are allowing robbers to blend in like concerned accountants, nurses and store clerks who are taking safety steps to avoid the deadly virus. 

Across the United States, masks have become more and more prevalent, first as a voluntary precaution and then as a requirement imposed by governmental agencies and businesses. And now people with masks, along with latex gloves, are finding their way into more and more crime reports.

 

Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Friday, May 15

7:43 p.m. | May 15, 2020

New COVID-19 Death In Washoe Co. Reported Friday
By Anh Gray
With support from the Mick Hitchcock, Ph.D., Project for Visualizing Science.

A woman in her 60s with underlying health conditions has died from the novel coronavirus, bringing the total number of deaths in Washoe County to 46.

Health officials are reporting 36 additional people have tested positive for COVID-19 and there are seven more recoveries.

Quad County Region Reports Three New COVID-19 Cases
By Bree Zender

The Quad County Emergency Operations Center is reporting two new cases of COVID-19 in Carson City and one new case in Lyon County.

Officials are reporting three people have also recovered in the Quad County area, which encompasses Carson City, and Lyon, Storey and Douglas Counties.

This brings the total number of cases in the Quad Counties to 137, with 90 recoveries. Two people have died, and three remain hospitalized.

Nevada Is Making Progress In Phase One Of Reopening, Governor Says
By Bree Zender

Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak said Friday afternoon the state is making progress in its Phase One of reopening its economy; however, in order to further meet the state's reopening goals, Sisolak encouraged everyone to wear face masks while out in public.

“Wear it for one of our veterans. Wear it for one of our thousands of health care workers who go to work every single day to take care of us. Wear it for the person working in the grocery store,” the governor said at a press conference Friday.

The governor also asked more members of the public to get tested for COVID-19.

Testing is starting to become available for asymptomatic individuals, according to the governor. However, asymptomatic testing has been available in limited amounts to people in Carson City, Douglas, Lyon, and Storey Counties through their regional COVID-19 team. In Washoe County, only people who are exhibiting symptoms of the virus have access to a test.

The governor allowed retail businesses to open up earlier this month, as well as hair salons and restaurants, with limited capacity.

Nevada Expects Up To 70,000 Gig Workers To Seek Virus Relief
By The Associated Press

Nevada unemployment officials expect as many as 70,000 idled self-employed, contract and gig workers will apply for $600 per week in coronavirus relief benefits promised by Congress, once phone and online systems for the state jobless program open on Saturday. The assistance for gig workers is part of a sweeping federal aid package passed by Congress. Nevada was among the last states to get the system working. State officials say payments are expected to start going out May 23 and will be backdated to the earliest date applicants were unable to work or became unemployed.

Nevada Highway Patrol Urging Drivers To Slow Down
By Anh Gray
With support from the Mick Hitchcock, Ph.D., Project for Visualizing Science.

In a virtual press conference, Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Hannah Degoey said that there have been incidents of excessive speeding.

Although the number of traffic crashes is down with fewer cars on the road, troopers are seeing more severe accidents due to more speeding.

Some drivers are clocking in triple digits and are speeding as much as 115 miles per hour on the roads.

A Look At COVID-19 Demographics In Washoe Co.
By Anh Gray
With support from the Mick Hitchcock, Ph.D., Project for Visualizing Science.

Washoe County Health District Epidemiologist Heather Kerwin said health officials are seeing the Hispanic population disproportionately affected by COVID-19. She said some live in multigenerational households, and infection can spread to other members of the same residence. Kerwin also said that early on during the pandemic, health officials initially saw more COVID-19 cases from international travelers, but they are now seeing more cases among essential workers.

The Washoe County Health District has recently hired a new epidemiologist, amid a recent controversial departure from the long-time head of epidemiology, Dr. Randall Todd. Kerwin said the new hire was initiated prior to and is unrelated to Todd’s departure.

Fire Season Warnings Amid Pandemic
By Anh Gray
With support from the Mick Hitchcock, Ph.D., Project for Visualizing Science.

Fire Chief Charles Moore with the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District is cautioning the community that fire season could pose additional challenges during the pandemic.

Typically evacuation centers are utilized when needed during fire emergencies, but Moore said those centers may look different during fire season this summer.

“Obviously, if we have a need to evacuate a large segment of people, we may not concentrate people so much in an evacuation center,” Moore said. “We would encourage people to just, kind of, take care of themselves as they can. If an evacuation center is necessary, we’ll obviously get that set up.”

Moore is also urging residents to consider safe options should evacuation be needed, such as staying with a friend. Upcoming windy conditions are currently adding to an increased risk for fire danger.


Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Thursday, May 14

7:43 p.m. | May 14, 2020

Health Officials Report Two More COVID-19 Deaths In Washoe Co.
By Paul Boger

Washoe County reported two new COVID-19-related deaths Thursday.

The two men, one in his 70s, the other in his 50s, both had underlying health conditions.

They mark the 44th and 45th COVID-19-related deaths in Washoe County.

So far, 1,154 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the state's second-most populated county. That's 22 more than Wednesday.

The Quad County Emergency Operation Center is also reporting six new cases of the disease, including the first reported case in Storey County.

Officially, nearly 6,500 people have tested positive for the virus statewide. Three hundred thirty-nine Nevadans have died.

Nearly A Third Of Nevada’s Workforce Has Filed For Unemployment
By The Associated Press

Federal figures show that about 24,000 out-of-work Nevadans filed first-time unemployment claims last week. That brings the total of new claims filed since mid-March to almost 443,000, nearly a third of the state's entire workforce as of February. A U.S. Department of Labor report shows new claims have slowed since peaking at more than 92,000 the week after closures began. But the state unemployment rate shot up from an all-time low of 3.6% in February to a record 22% last week. Another jump is expected with a state Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation report Friday.

Nevada To Offer Gig Workers Unemployment Starting Saturday
By Paul Boger

State officials said gig workers in Nevada can start applying for unemployment insurance starting Saturday.

KRNV-TV is reporting the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation will unveil the state's Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program this weekend.

Claims will be backdated until the date of eligibility, which could be as early as January 27, 2020.

Nevada was the last state to launch a portal where rideshare drivers, massage therapists and other independent contractors could receive benefits.

A 12-page class-action lawsuit filed this week by two Reno independent contractors against DETR said the delay in receiving benefits has already caused the plaintiffs irreparable harm.

State Leaders Tap Into Nevada’s Rainy Day Fund
By Paul Boger

Nevada's Board of Examiners has given the okay to dip into the state's rainy day fund to shore up a massive budget deficit caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The board is made up of Governor Steve Sisolak, Attorney General Aaron Ford and Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske. They voted unanimously Thursday, to transfer the $401 million in the state's reserves to the general fund.

Governor Sisolak announced a state of fiscal emergency Monday.

According to analysis, Nevada is facing an estimated shortfall of $741 million to $911 million for the fiscal year ending on June 30.

The board did not say how the money would be spent. That's up to lawmakers on the state's Interim Finance Committee who are scheduled to meet on Monday.

California Gov. Newsom Calls For A 10 Percent Pay Cut For State Workers
By The Associated Press

California Governor Gavin Newsom has unveiled a proposal to slash billions from his state's budget in order to tackle a massive $54 billion deficit. Under Newsom's proposal, the state will cancel more than $6 billion in spending increases and program expansions, as well as dip into its $14 billion rainy day fund over the next three years. Newsom has also called for a 10 percent pay cut for all state workers. "One thing I know about cuts,” Newsom told reporters, “there's a human being behind every single number. Behind every category is a dream that is either deferred [or] in some cases, a dream that is denied. I'm sober about it. I'm not naive about cuts." An estimated 4.6 million Californians have filed jobless claims since mid-March, bringing the state's unemployment rate to approximately 18 percent, according to Newsom's administration.

Conservative Voting Rights Group Files Suit Over Mail-In Primary
By The Associated Press

A conservative voting rights group says Nevada's normal election rules and polling places for in-person voting should be reinstated because they say the most serious threat posed by the novel coronavirus has passed. Lawyers for the Voters' Rights Initiative filed an amended complaint in U.S. District Court in Reno seeking to revive efforts to prevent the state's June 9 primary from going forward under procedures the secretary of state ordered to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. New plaintiffs in the lawsuit include Nevada Right to Life and a rural Republican running for county commissioner. They are asking Judge Miranda Du to schedule an expedited hearing and issue a ruling by the end of next week. Du rejected a complaint last month that alleged Republican Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske lacked authority to implement temporary procedures for the mail-in primary that the critics say is vulnerable to voter fraud.


Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Wednesday, May 13

8:25 p.m. | May 13, 2020

Washoe County Reports Three New COVID-19 Deaths Wednesday
By Stephanie Serrano

Washoe County reported three new COVID-19-related deaths Wednesday, bringing the death toll to 43.

All three cases were men. Two were in their 70s, with one showing underlying health conditions; the second person’s health is under investigation. The third man was in his 50s and had underlying health conditions.

In addition, the county reported 16 additional positive cases of the virus and 13 recoveries.

The state is reporting more than 320 deaths from COVID-19 and just under 6,400 positive cases.

The Quad Counties are reporting one new positive case Wednesday, a male Lyon County resident in his 60s. The Quad Counties include Carson City, along with Lyon, Douglas and Storey Counties. There have been 128 cases in that area, with two deaths.

COVID-19 Testing Is Expanding For Any Humboldt County Residents
By Stephanie Serrano

The Nevada National Guard announced that Humboldt County residents who wish to be tested for COVID-19 can do so without an appointment.

Humboldt County will receive 2,000 testing kits; residents will be tested on a first-come, first-served basis, although health care workers and first responders will have first priority.

The testing starts Thursday for specific types of workers and is available to the public starting Friday. Residents can drive to the testing site at the indoor Winnemucca Event Center. They are required to stay in their car for the duration of the test and must wear face coverings.

For questions, please call the Office of the Humboldt County Community Health Nurse at (775) 623-6575 or message @humboldtcountynv on Facebook.

Flights Out Of Reno See A Drastic Decline During COVID-19
By Stephanie Serrano

The Reno-Tahoe International Airport is seeing a 95 percent decrease in passengers due to the pandemic.

Marily Mora, president of the airport authority, said the airport saw 545 outbound passengers on Wednesday, and a year ago, the airport saw 5,500 passengers.

Many airlines are booking fewer tickets to regulate the number of people boarding each aircraft to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

The airport president said it could take years for Reno flights to get back to normal levels.

In the meantime, staff members are stepping up their cleaning process with stronger chemicals and requiring passengers and employees to wear masks.

She is also urging travelers to be prepared to fly with their own snacks and sanitizing wipes.

Nevada Residents Who Lost Their Jobs Due To COVID-19 Will See Additional Funding
By The Associated Press

State officials say federal emergency funds are kicking in to extend unemployment payments for an additional 13 weeks for idled Nevada workers who have exhausted regular benefits. The state Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation said Wednesday it added information about federal Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation to its jobless workers website. State health officials reported Wednesday that almost 6,400 people in the state have tested positive for the COVID-19 illness, and at least 321 have died. The governor’s office has announced that even though some businesses are reopening, people filing for unemployment won't be required to search for work in order to get benefits.

Two Mothers In Nevada Are Suing Over Federal Relief Payment Regulations
By The Associated Press

Nevada is the only U.S. state not taking applications for federal coronavirus relief payments to gig workers. Two self-employed single mothers in Reno are suing to force the state to begin paying thousands of out-of-work people the more than $600 a week that Congress promised. Attorney Mark Thierman said self-employed people, independent contractors and sole proprietors are getting desperate. State officials didn't immediately comment about the lawsuit. But interim unemployment chief Heather Korbulic told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that starting the program from scratch is complex and the department hopes to have it up and running by Memorial Day.

California Could See Stricter Regulations On Bar And Restaurants
By The Associated Press

California’s bar and restaurant regulators are seeking emergency powers to immediately crackdown on people who are refusing to follow state rules intended to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. The new proposed regulations take a tougher tone even as the state relaxes rules for sit-down dining in select counties. The pending regulations would allow the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to immediately, but temporarily, suspend or limit licenses. Under current rules, businesses can remain open while they fight the sanctions. The California Restaurant Association did not immediately comment.


Get Caught Up:

  • May 12 | Regional Updates
    • Washoe Co. Reports 40th COVID-19 Death Tuesday
    • Western Leaders Request More Federal Funding
    • El Dorado, Butte Counties Get Approval To More Quickly Reopen Some Services
    • California Considers Covering Rent For Low-Income People Impacted By Pandemic

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.
Anh Gray is a former contributing editor 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.
Bree Zender is a former host and reporter at KUNR Public Radio.
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