Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Tuesday, May 12
10:08 p.m. | May 12, 2020
Washoe Co. Reports 40th COVID-19 Death Tuesday
By Bree Zender
Washoe County reported its 40th death from the effects of COVID-19 Tuesday. Officials describe the individual as a man in his 40s with no underlying health conditions.
In addition, the county reported 16 additional positive cases of the virus and ten recoveries.
There are currently 537 known active cases in the county. 44 are currently hospitalized in Washoe.
The Quad-County Emergency Operations Center is reporting three new positive cases and two recoveries of COVID-19 in the Quad-County region.
The new cases are: a female Lyon County resident in her 20s; a male Carson City resident under the age of 18; and a male Carson City resident in his 80s
This brings the total number of cases to 127, with 84 recoveries and two deaths. 41 cases remain active.
The state of Nevada is reporting 321 deaths from COVID-19 and more than 6,300 positive cases as of late Tuesday night.
Western Leaders Request More Federal Funding
By The Associated Press
Governors and legislative leaders from five western states that are coordinating their response to the coronavirus outbreak are asking Congress to send $1 trillion to state and local governments in the next federal aid package.
The elected officials from Nevada, California, Colorado, Oregon and Washington sent the letter Monday to leaders in the U.S. House and Senate.
They said they will have to make deep budget cuts unless states receive more aid.
According to recent analysis from Governor Sisolaks's office, Nevada's general fund faces a budget deficit of between $700 to $900 million this fiscal year.
The minority leader in the California Assembly was the lone Republican to sign the letter.
El Dorado, Butte Counties Get Approval To More Quickly Reopen Some Services
By The Associated Press
The first two California counties received state approval Tuesday to more quickly reopen some services as officials gradually relax restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus.
The California Department of Public Health posted documents from El Dorado and Butte counties on its website, with a note that those counties can move more quickly through Stage 2 opening sectors once state guidance is posted for that sector.
Health officials in each county attested that they have had little local impact from the pandemic and can handle any new cases.
El Dorado County, which is home to South Lake Tahoe, has seen 56 cases of COVID-19. 20 of those cases are in the Tahoe region. No deaths have been reported.
California Considers Covering Rent For Low-Income People Impacted By Pandemic
By The Associated Press
California would cover rent payments for some low-income residents impacted by the coronavirus.
This comes under a proposal unveiled Tuesday that is backed by state Senate leaders.
The plan would give landlords tax credits that would cover the cost of their lost payments.
Tenants would have 10 years to pay back the state, with some not having to pay the full amount because of a hardship exemption.
The proposal includes a $25 billion economic recovery fund to aid businesses, nonprofits and local governments.
The money would come from letting some taxpayers voluntarily prepay taxes at a discounted rate.
Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Monday, May 11
8:00 p.m. | May 11, 2020
Nevada Declares Fiscal Emergency
By Paul Boger
Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak has declared a State of Fiscal Emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a fiscal analysis by the Governor’s Office and the Legislative Counsel Bureau, Nevada’s general fund is likely facing a budget deficit ranging between $741 and $911 million for the current fiscal year, which ends June 30.
It’s roughly a fifth of the state’s total $4.5 billion budget for 2020.
The shortfall may also have a significant impact on the State Distributive School Account, which funds a vast majority of Nevada’s public education system.
The announcement legally gives the governor and the legislature’s Interim Finance Committee the ability to dip into the state’s roughly $400 million rainy day fund.
However, any money moved from the rainy day fund to the general fund must first be approved by the state’s Board of Examiners, a group composed of the governor, secretary of state and the attorney general.
Nevada’s Unemployment Office To Hire More Staff
By The Associated Press
Nevada is fast-tracking the hiring of temporary unemployment office workers to deal with a wave of benefits claims that followed the mid-March closure of casinos and other businesses in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Governor Steve Sisolak said that letting the state Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation hire contractors and rehire retirees or former employees to process claims should help get insurance benefits out more quickly to Nevadans who have lost their jobs. The state jobless office has been overwhelmed by filings from what amounts to one in three people who had jobs in February.
Washoe County Sees Five New COVID-19 Cases Monday
By Stephanie Serrano
Washoe County is reporting five new cases of the novel coronavirus Monday, and total county deaths remain at 39.
Thirty-two recoveries are being reported, which brings the total number of active cases to 532.
Since the pandemic began, more than 1,000 Washoe County residents have tested positive for COVID-19.
Statewide, nearly 6,100 people have contracted the virus, and more than 300 people have died.
The Quad Counties are reporting three new positive cases Monday, including two in Lyon County and one in Carson City. The Quad Counties include Carson City, along with Lyon, Douglas and Storey Counties. There have been 124 cases in that area, with two deaths.
California Counties Are Asking For Permission To Loosen COVID-19 Restrictions
By The Associated Press
Governor Gavin Newsom says more than two dozen counties have asked permission to loosen their stay-at-home plans beyond what the state allows. Newsom on Monday promised a speedy review and said some counties could have their plans approved by Tuesday. The governor loosened the statewide stay-at-home order last week to allow some retailers and manufacturers to reopen with restrictions. He said counties can go further if they meet strict state standards, but densely populated counties are having difficulty meeting the requirements. Newsom said Monday that he would consider adjusting those standards. He said some large counties have special circumstances that must be taken into account.
UNR Med School To Host Virtual Hooding Ceremony For The Class Of 2020
By Stephanie Serrano
The University of Nevada Reno, School of Medicine will host a virtual hooding ceremony, conferring Doctor of Medicine degrees to medical students graduating this year. The ceremony will be available online.
The decision came in compliance with Governor Steve Sisolak’s order to limit gatherings to 10 people or less in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Of the 63 UNR Med graduates, roughly 20 percent are staying in Nevada for some part of their residency.
Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Sunday, May 10
7:10 p.m. | May 10, 2020
By Noah Glick
Second COVID-19 Death Reported In Carson City
Officials from the Quad-County Emergency Operations Center announced one new death from COVID-19 Saturday. Additionally, officials reported a total of ten new cases over the weekend, and ten new recoveries, for the region that includes Carson City, as well as Douglas, Lyon and Storey counties.
The victim was a male Carson City resident in his 60s. It is unknown whether he had underlying health conditions.
That brings the total number of cases in the Quad Counties region to 121, with two deaths. 82 people have recovered.
Additionally, 1,374 people without symptoms have been tested, with one confirmed positive result from those tests.
No New COVID-19 Deaths, 18 New Cases In Washoe Co.
Washoe County is reporting 18 new cases of the novel coronavirus Sunday, but total county deaths remain at 39.
Additionally, 15 recoveries were reported, bringing the total number of active cases to 559. Since the pandemic began, 1,095 Washoe County residents have tested positive for COVID-19.
Current hospital capacity numbers:
- Acute Care Beds: 54% occupied
- Intensive Care Unit Beds: 39% occupied
- Ventilators: 12% in use
Nevada Redistricting Reform Backers Seek More Petition Time
By The Associated Press
A Nevada political group wants a federal judge to order state officials to accept electronic signatures and allow more time to qualify a ballot measure to appoint a commission to redraw statewide voting districts. Fair Maps Nevada argued in a lawsuit filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Reno that rules imposed by the governor to prevent face-to-face contact during the coronavirus pandemic make traditional signature-gathering extremely difficult. The group is backed by the League of Women Voters of Nevada. It has a June 16 deadline to submit signatures from nearly 100,000 registered voters to qualify the measure for the November ballot.
Reopen Nevada Protests Continue This Weekend
More than 60 people gathered in Las Vegas Saturday night, urging Nev. Gov. Steve Sisolak to further reopen the state’s economy.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that the rally started as a way to protest Gov. Sisolak’s emergency orders that closed businesses, but because a political rally for conservative ideas like immigration and abortion.
Similar protests have occurred throughout the state in previous weeks. Sisolak lifted some restrictions for nonessential businesses beginning Saturday.
Shutdown Of Tribal Casinos Deals Blow To Indian Country
By The Associated Press
Some 500 Native American casinos have shut down during the pandemic, often taking away tribes’ main source of income. While some Native American-owned casinos have reopened or plan to in the coming weeks, most are still closed. Besides costing tribes millions of dollars, the closures have forced layoffs and furloughs. One tribe in Washington state says it can't fund anything without the casino but recently reopened after two months. In Connecticut, workers at two large casinos are eager to get back to work. But they say it's better to be safe than sorry because “to open and close again would be terrible."
Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Saturday, May 9
5:55 p.m. | May 9, 2020
By Noah Glick
Washoe Co. Reports 16 Additional Recoveries, 12 New Cases Of COVID-19
The number of active cases of COVID-19 in Washoe County is down slightly Saturday, and officials are reporting no new deaths from the virus.
As of today, there are 556 active cases of the virus, down four from yesterday and seven from the county peak on May 5.
There have now been 1,077 total cases of COVID-19 countywide, with 39 people having died so far. Total recoveries are creeping closer to the number of active cases, meaning soon, more people in Washoe County will have recovered than are currently fighting the disease.
But, officials are looking closely at case numbers as the state begins Phase 1 of reopening restaurants, retail and some salon services. Statewide, more than 6,000 people have tested positive, and more than 300 people have died from the coronavirus, mostly in Clark County.
Telsa HQ To Nevada? Musk Threatens To Leave California
By The Associated Press
Tesla CEO Elon Musk is threatening to pull the company's factory and headquarters out of California in an escalating spat with local officials over reopening an electric vehicle plant. On Twitter Saturday afternoon, Musk also threatened to sue over Health Department coronavirus restrictions that have stopped Tesla from restarting production at its factory in Fremont south of San Francisco. Musk wrote that the restrictions are the final straw and that Tesla will move its headquarters and future programs to Texas or Nevada. On Friday, the Alameda County Public Health Department said it told Tesla that it did not meet conditions for a business to reopen. Messages were left Saturday seeking comment from state and local officials. Frankly, this is the final straw. Tesla will now move its HQ and future programs to Texas/Nevada immediately. If we even retain Fremont manufacturing activity at all, it will be dependen on how Tesla is treated in the future. Tesla is the last carmaker left in CA. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 9, 2020
Nevada Needs To Test 30,000 People Daily, Says State Coronavirus Task Force Leader
In an interviewwith The Nevada Independent, Jim Murren, the head of the state’s private-sector coronavirus task force, said he hopes the state can start testing 30,000 people daily for the coronavirus. He said that's about double the amount the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates Nevada needs based on its population.
In the interview, Murren, previously the CEO of MGM Resorts, said he envisions 10,000 tests done daily at the University Medical Center in Las Vegas, another 10,000 done daily at Renown Regional Medical Center and the Nevada State Public Health Laboratory in Reno.
The other 10,000 would be conducted at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas or another location.
Reno Celebrates Its 152 Birthday From A Safe Distance
The City of Reno officially turns 152 today. To celebrate safely, the city is displaying a large beacon of light this weekend in downtown.
Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve says the light is meant to be a positive message during challenging times. To go along with the beam, the city released a video on YouTube today/Saturday with inspirational messages and songs from the community.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k2PVGnDQ3E&feature=youtu.be
Schieve said in the video that it’s important to celebrate the city, and its culture of arts, especially during these tough times.
“We hope that this message leaves you with strength and inspiration. We know it’s been an incredibly difficult time, and we recognize that. But thank you for staying strong, Reno. Thank you for all you do. And thank you to all of our citizens,” Scheive said.
The large beacon of light will be displayed from the city of Reno parking garage in downtown Saturday and Sunday nights.
Reno officially became a city on May 9, 1868.
Nev. Gov., A.G., Face Lawsuit Over Emergency Closures
By The Associated Press
Hair salon and barber shop owners, an events company, a physician and a man who wants to treat his COVID-19 with malaria drugs touted by President Donald Trump are suing the governor of Nevada over stay-at-home and other orders he issued in response to the spread of the coronavirus. Aides to Gov. Steve Sisolak and state Attorney General Aaron Ford didn't immediately respond Friday to emails about the civil lawsuit filed Thursday in Las Vegas. It alleges the governor, a Democrat, abused administrative power and violated U.S. and state constitutional rights to worship and commerce with his emergency closures in March.
Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Friday, May 8
6:45 p.m. | May 8, 2020
New COVID Cases Top Recoveries Friday In Washoe County
By Bree Zender
A woman in her 70s with underlying health conditions is the 39th person known to have died in Washoe County due to the effects of COVID-19, according to county officials.
In addition, county data shows the number of new cases that have tested positive outpaced recoveries on Friday, with 35 new known cases and 10 recoveries. This comes as the state prepares to reopen some businesses while encouraging social distancing early Saturday morning.
As of Friday morning, statewide data shows nearly 5,884 people are known to have tested positive for the disease, and more than 300 people have died, mostly in Clark County.
Quad Counties Report One New Case Friday
By Bree Zender
The Quad Counties are reporting one new positive case, a Douglas County resident in his 70s, on Friday, along with three additional recoveries. The total number of COVID-19 cases in that area is 111, with 72 recoveries, one death, and 38 active cases.
The Quad Counties include Carson City, along with Douglas, Lyon, and Storey Counties.
Washoe Officials Urge Social Distancing For Mother’s Day
By Bree Zender
Officials for Washoe County and the cities of Reno and Sparks are asking residents to continue social distancing through Mother's Day celebrations.
This comes weeks after several Washoe County residents tested positive for COVID-19 after gathering to celebrate Easter in mid-April.
Washoe County Commission Chair Bob Lucey said in a Friday press conference that as the state heads into Phase One of the reopening and modifications of some businesses, we must all remain vigilant.
“We can all appreciate the desire to celebrate the women in our lives — the mothers, the grandmothers that have made such an impact in our lives,” Lucey said. “But because of their value and their health and their safety, I implore you, please, celebrate responsibly. Make sure that you avoid large gatherings, and protect those [who are] vulnerable in our lives.”
County and city officials said they are recommending the same guidance that the state proposed in its announcement of Phase One reopening Thursday evening. This includes the partial opening of businesses Saturday, including dine-in restaurants, hair salons and retail establishments.
Nevada Unemployment Tops 22 Percent
By The Associated Press
Economic signs are dire in Nevada, where the state jobless rate hit a record 22 percent on Friday. Nevada's numbers are well above the national unemployment rate of 14.7 percent. The U.S. mark is as high as the Great Depression. Nevada's historic skid to a stop came after Gov. Steve Sisolak ordered casinos and many businesses to close in mid-March to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. Some businesses are due to reopen Saturday, but not casinos or music venues. Restaurants, hair salons and retail establishments can open, but only with limited capacity to continue social distancing. Each individual county has the option to make the guidelines stricter.
Reno Rodeo Canceled Due To Pandemic
By Bree Zender
Reno Rodeo organizers said Thursday this year's event, which was scheduled for June, is canceled to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
It's one of thousands of major events throughout the country to cancel due to the pandemic.
Rodeo goers who have already purchased tickets can choose to rollover their ticket to the 2021 rodeo, donate their ticket amount to the Reno Rodeo Legacy Project, or get a refund.
The event would have celebrated its 101st anniversary.
As California Reopening Begins, Newsom Says Expect More Soon
By The Associated Press
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said tens of thousands of businesses were cleared for limited reopening on Friday as the state began its most significant easing of restrictions amid the novel coronavirus pandemic. He expressed optimism it might not take long for the state to reach the next level, which includes eating in restaurants and shopping in stores. Nearly two dozen counties have already contacted the state about wanting to allow more reopenings. The state will allow it if they can meet strict criteria on the number of deaths, cases and testing. Newsom gave his daily briefing from a Sacramento flower shop that reopened in time for Mother's Day.
Yosemite Workers Face Eviction From Park
By The Associated Press
An estimated 90 shuttle bus drivers and Yosemite National Park transportation workers who were laid off after the park closed to visitors in March are now facing eviction. The group of Yosemite Hospitality workers was told this week layoffs require them to leave Yosemite by May 21. The Fresno Bee reported these are the first known Yosemite evictions solely because of layoffs caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic. They come in spite of Gov. Gavin Newsom's order calling for a statewide moratorium on evictions through May 31. It's unclear how the order pertains to federal lands.
Hair And Nail Salons Not Included In California Phase One Reopening
By The Associated Press
California officials have rattled off businesses that can start reopening under rules aimed at preventing the spread of the novel coronavirus, but hair and nail salons are nowhere on that list. For more than a week, salon owners have clamored to get back to work in California, but Gov. Gavin Newsom has them slated for a later reopening date, leading to pressure from stylists and shop owners along with the threat of a lawsuit. They said they're trained in sanitation and licensed by the state. California has allowed more businesses to reopen but only for delivery and curbside pick-up, which aren't options for hair and nail salons.
Click here to support KUNR’s COVID-19 coverage.
Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Thursday, May 7
7:37 p.m. | May 7, 2020
Recoveries Again Outpace New COVID-19 Cases In Washoe County
By Paul Boger
Washoe County health officials are reporting another COVID-19-related death and eight new cases Thursday, bringing the county total to 38 deaths and more than 1,000 cases of the novel coronavirus.
However, the county also reported 25 recoveries. It marks a second-day decline in active cases after a brief spike related to Easter celebrations.
In the Quad-Counties region, health officials said a Lyon County woman in her 20s has tested positive for COVID-19. It brings the total number of cases there to 110, and 40 cases remain active.
More than 5,766 COVID-19 cases have been reported statewide. The statewide death toll now stands at 293.
Gov. Sisolak To Eases Restrictions On Some Businesses
By Paul Boger
Governor Steve Sisolak said he's easing restrictions on some businesses because Nevada is ready to move into Phase One of the state's reopening plan.
Businesses such as retail establishments, restaurants, barbershops and salons can reopen starting Saturday as long as they follow proper social distancing guidelines and increased sanitation measures.
He said Nevada's seen an overall decline in the average daily number of new cases, and it's now up to individual residents to ensure the state stays open.
"I want to make clear, if we see a problem with any of these initiatives I've brought forth, these openings, and we can identify the activity that is causing the surge, we will roll back some of the openings that we have announced today. It is incumbent upon each and every one of us to work together as a team to protect everyone: yourselves, your families, your loved ones and our most vulnerable populations," said Sisolak.
While the new guidance eases restrictions for most businesses, bars and taverns that don't sell food, nightclubs, gyms, movie theaters and other industries that require physical contact will remain closed.
Washoe Commission Backs Away From Drug Suit
By Paul Boger
The Washoe County Commission is backing away from a lawsuit challenging Governor Steve Sisolak's emergency directive limiting access to autoimmune and antimalarial drugs used by some to treat COVID-19.
In a 5-to-1 vote, the commission reversed course on a previous motion to file an amicus brief supporting the Nevada Osteopathic Medical Association (NOMA) suit challenging the state's emergency restrictions on chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine.
NOMA filed the suit last month, arguing the order needlessly limits many doctors’ ability to treat patients who might need the drugs.
Republican Commissioner Marsha Birkbigler, who originally said she couldn't find a reason not to support the lawsuit, now says she's taken issue with how NOMA has handled the suit thus far.
“I still think doctors should be able to prescribe legal drugs to their legal patients and I don’t change that position. However, I do think for the overall good of county issues, it’s probably a good idea to pull this amicus brief,” said Birkbigler.
A recent analysis of the use of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine in U.S. veterans hospitals showed patients did not respond any better to the drugs than conventional medical intervention.
Republican Commissioner Jeanne Herman was the sole vote against withdrawing from the suit.
California Facing Record $54 Billion Deficit
By The Associated Press
California Governor Gavin Newsom said the country’s most-populated state is facing a $54 billion budget shortfall because of the economic devastation wrought by the novel coronavirus. Newsom’s announcement this week marks a stunning reversal for a state that had a $21 billion surplus a year ago. California was placed under a mandatory stay-at-home order in mid-March, forcing nonessential businesses to close and prompting more than 4 million Californians to file for unemployment. The Newsom administration also now predicts a jobless rate of 18 percent. That’s 46 percent higher than the height of the Great Recession a decade ago. It’s not yet clear at this point what state programs will be cut or by how much. Newsom is scheduled to reveal his new spending proposal next week.
Nevada’s Unemployment Numbers Continue To Grow
By The Associated Press
Federal officials report that nearly 31,000 more Nevadans filed new claims for jobless benefits last week. That means roughly 419,000 residents have filed unemployment claims since mid-March when Governor Steve Sisolak issued an emergency stay-at-home order to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. New numbers reported Thursday by the U.S. Department of Labor show almost 30 percent of the 1.4 million workers who had jobs in Nevada in February are now idle. The official state unemployment rate last week was 19.9 percent.
Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Wednesday, May 6
7:13 p.m. | May 6, 2020
Another COVID-19-related Death In Washoe Co., Total Now 37
By Noah Glick
Washoe County officials announced Wednesday another COVID-19-related death, plus eight new cases.
The victim was a male in his 70s with underlying health conditions.
That brings the total number of deaths in Washoe County to 37.
Officials also reported 15 new recoveries.
Washoe County Health District Officer Kevin Dick acknowledged a recent jump of new cases, but said, overall, things are slowing down.
“What we have been seeing is a fairly flat plateau, as we come down from that peak,” Dick said during a virtual press conference Wednesday. “So it’s important that we continue to be vigilant, so we can drive down the numbers of new cases being reported per day.”
According to the COVID-19 forecasting model from Los Alamos Laboratory, there is about a 90% chance that Nevada has reached its peak of new daily confirmed cases.
Statewide, 5,663 people have tested positive for the virus, and 286 have died.
Latest Washoe Co. Numbers:
- Total cases: 1,022
- Total deaths: 37
- Total recoveries: 431
- Active cases: 554
- Current hospitalizations: 59
- Hospital discharges: 74
Washoe Co. Hospital Capacity:
- Acute care beds: 60% occupied
- Intensive Care Unit beds: 38% occupied
- Ventilators: 16% in use
Nevada Officials Call For Parks, Recreation, Public Lands Funding To Recover From COVID-19
By Noah Glick
More than 100 mayors and elected officials across the West are urging Congress to provide full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, as part of the next coronavirus stimulus package.
The Land and Water Conservation Fund was established by Congress in 1968 and takes earnings from offshore oil and gas leases, and invests them in natural resources, like parks and public lands.
Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve, Vice Mayor Devon Reese and Walker River Paiute Tribe Chair Amber Torres joined with other Western leaders in sending a letter to Congress, urging lawmakers to fund the region’s large outdoor recreation industry.
“America’s public lands bring us peace of mind and generate economic revenue — both will be critically needed to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak,” the letter stated.
No other Nevada leaders signed the letter.
Western Democrats, Firefighters Demand Federal COVID-19 Support Ahead Of Wildfire Season
By Noah Glick
A group of freshman Democratic lawmakers in our region is calling on Congress to provide more funding for local governments that have seen severe budget shortfalls due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
During a press call Wednesday, U.S. Reps. Steven Horsford and Susie Lee of Nevada joined with Reps. Joe Neguse of Colorado, Greg Stanton of Arizona and Deb Haaland of New Mexico. Together, they’re calling on Congressional leaders to provide more funding for local governments to keep essential services, like fire and police, going.
“In the next round, we’ve heard estimates in Nevada of a shortfall anywhere between $1-2 billion next fiscal year. Clark County has a budget shortfall of over $300 million in the next fiscal year. And every one of our local municipalities big and small are doing their budgets and reviewing what the impact is going to be,” Rep. Horsford said during the call.
In addition, firefighters are asking Congress for $5 billion to cover supplies, equipment and staffing ahead of wildfire season. A previous federal stimulus package provided $100 million for firefighters and $850 million for law enforcement.
Nevada Appellate Courts Move To Remote Hearings
By Noah Glick
Beginning May 27, Nevada’s appellate courts will be open — virtually.
Nevada’s Court of Appeals will hold oral arguments using video collaboration software, beginning at 10 a.m. May 27. The Nevada Supreme Court will hear remote arguments on June 1.
No in-person attendance is allowed at this time, for attorneys, legal parties or the public.
The courts will provide a stream of oral arguments at its website here.
Health Officials To Restaurants: Disposable Plates And Menus When You Reopen
By The Associated Press
Health officials are giving guidelines to keep people safe once businesses start to reopen in the Las Vegas area. The Southern Nevada Health District is suggesting restaurants offer disposable menus and plates, daycares keep children from playing or napping near each other and hotels remove decorative pillows and encase televisions and remotes in covers that can be wiped down. Gov. Steve Sisolak says that by mid-May he may gradually ease restrictions meant to stop the novel coronavirus from spreading.
Washoe Co. Sheriff Office Employees Back To Work After COVID-19
By Noah Glick
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday that four employees who had previously tested positive for COVID-19 have returned to work this week.
“I am excited to welcome these Washoe County Sheriff’s Office family members back to work after recovering from the novel coronavirus,” said Sheriff Balaam in a statement. “The health and safety of our staff and inmates remains my number one priority. That is why we have taken precautions as all our staff members start to return to their normal duties,” Balaam said.
The Sheriff’s Office reported that it has tested 14 inmates as well. All inmates tested negative for COVID-19, according to Wednesday’s statement.
Currently, all interested employees are being tested, using 600 kits from the COVID-19 Incident Management Team for people who are asymptomatic. More than 100 people have volunteered to be tested.
Quad Counties Cases Continue To Creep Down
By Noah Glick
The Quad-County Emergency Operations Center reported one new positive case of COVID-19 and two new recoveries.
The new case is a female Lyon County resident in her 20s.
The latest numbers for the Quad County area:
- Carson City: 51 total cases; 20 active cases; 30 recoveries; 1 death
- Douglas County: 22 total cases; 3 active cases; 19 recoveries; 0 deaths
- Lyon County: 36 total cases; 20 active cases; 16 recoveries; 0 deaths
- Storey County: 0 total cases; 0 active cases; 0 recoveries; 0 deaths
Shoppers Take To California Mall On First Day Of Reopening
By The Associated Press
Hundreds of shoppers — many not wearing masks — streamed into the first California mall to reopen, prompting a warning from the local public health director to comply with orders or risk a return to more strict measures to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. Doors opened Wednesday at Yuba Sutter Mall in Yuba City, the county seat of rural Sutter County, which along with adjacent Yuba County have defied the governor by allowing many businesses to reopen. The move came as the county health officer sent a letter to businesses saying it had become clear that some weren't following rules that she previously issued requiring masks and social distancing.
Shoppers Take To California Mall On First Day Of Reopening
By The Associated Press
Wynn Resorts on Wednesday reported a first-quarter loss of $402 million, after reporting a profit in the same period a year earlier. The Las Vegas-based company said it had a loss of $3.77 per share. Losses, adjusted for non-recurring costs, were $3.54 per share. The results did not meet Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of seven analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for a loss of $1.05 per share. The casino operator posted revenue of $953.7 million in the period, which also did not meet Street forecasts. Five analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $1.09 billion. Wynn shares have decreased 43% since the beginning of the year, while the Standard & Poor's 500 index has decreased 12%. In the final minutes of trading on Wednesday, shares hit $79.25, a drop of 44% in the last 12 months.
Get Caught Up:
- May 5 | Regional Updates
- Washoe County Human Services Agency Contractor Tests Positive For COVID-19
- Lakeside Health And Wellness Deaths Climb To 19
- Health Officials Warn Against Cinco De Mayo Celebrations
- Fourth Of July Events Canceled Around Much Of Lake Tahoe
- Casino Employees Demand Safety Protocols For Returning To Work
- Nevada Dems Drop Fight Against Mail-in Primary
- California Governor Scolds Yuba, Sutter Counties
For continued updates on the novel coronavirus in Nevada, visit our updates and resourcespage.
