Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Tuesday, July 14
6:38 p.m. | July 14, 2020
State Leaders Urge Continued Vigilance Against COVID-19
By Noah Glick
State officials are urging the public to continue its vigilance in the fight against COVID-19, as more than 1,100 new cases are reported Tuesday.
During its daily media briefing call, Nevada COVID-19 Response Director Caleb Cage said as portions of the economy are reopening, the public needs to do their part in avoiding community spread.
“We’re still very much in the middle of the pandemic. The virus is not going to go away anytime soon, and it continues to spread,” Cage said. “We need to be vigilant in all of our behaviors to slow that spread and to protect vulnerable populations.”
Cage said that means maintaining social distancing and wearing face masks in public. Statewide, nearly 30,000 people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Cage blamed the recent resurgence on the July 4 weekend.
Since the first reported case of COVID-19, the state has identified 5,535 new cases as a result of contact tracing, about 18% of total cases. Officials said a call center in Las Vegas has been calling people 12 hours a day, seven days a week.
Two More COVID-19 Deaths, Dozens Of Recoveries In Washoe Co.
By Noah Glick
Two more Washoe County residents have died from COVID-19.
The Regional Information Center reported the victims were a man in his 90s and a woman in her 80s. Both had underlying health conditions.
Additionally, there were 62 recoveries and 27 new cases. Officials said the largest group of new cases is coming from those in their 20s.
State officials are urging the public to remain vigilant against the spread. That includes social distancing and wearing a face mask in public.
Current county-wide hospital capacity:
- Short-term acute care hospital beds: 80% occupied
- Intensive care unit beds: 56% occupied
- Ventilators: 16% in use
Coronavirus Case Closes Nevada Jobless Call Center In Las Vegas
By The Associated Press
Nevada’s unemployment benefits call center in Las Vegas is closed for cleaning after officials said an employee tested positive for the coronavirus. The state Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation said the unidentified person is self-quarantined and there's no immediate risk to the public because the facility had been closed to outsiders since mid-March. An agency official said claims usually handled by the southern Nevada office will be routed to the call center in Carson City. Officials said the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance system and call center aren’t affected.
Nevada Hospitals Change COVID-19 Reporting
By Noah Glick
The way Nevada hospitals collect and report data regarding COVID-19 patients is changing, in order to maintain daily federal reporting requirements from the Department of Health and Human Services.
The Nevada Hospital Association announced Tuesday that the changes are “significant” and may lead to delays in reporting.
President and CEO Bill Welch said in a statement that “Nevada hospitals have been diligent in reporting information to state and federal agencies, as well as Governor Sisolak and his team.”
The order from the federal government requires daily reports on bed capacity, utilization and personal protective equipment levels.
Quad Counties Report 14 New COVID-19 Cases, Five Recoveries
By Noah Glick
The Quad County area of Douglas, Lyon and Storey Counties and Carson City reported an additional 14 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, with five new recoveries. The new cases are a mix of ages, genders and locations.
Carson City Health and Human Services reported that eight people in the Quad County area have died from the disease.
There is one drive-thru COVID-19 testing event for residents without symptoms taking place on July 15 from 8-11 a.m. at Douglas High School. There are 400 tests available, which are given on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Latest Quad County Breakdown:
- Carson City: 229 total cases, 73 active cases, 150 recoveries, 6 deaths
- Douglas County: 94 total cases, 36 active cases, 58 recoveries, 0 deaths
- Lyon County: 149 total cases, 35 active cases, 112 recoveries, 2 deaths
- Storey County: 2 total cases, 0 active cases, 2 recoveries, 0 deaths
Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Monday, July 13
Washoe County Reports Three New COVID-19 Deaths Monday
On Monday, the Regional Information Center for Washoe County is reporting three COVID-19 related deaths: three females with underlying health conditions in their 70s, 80s and 100s. The death toll is 96.
Additionally, there are 54 new cases. There is a total of 1,143 active cases in the county.
In the neighboring Quad Counties, which stretch across Carson City, Storey, Lyon and Douglas counties, health officials are reporting seven new COVID-19 cases. There is a total of eight deaths in the region with 135 active cases.
California Shuts Bars, Indoor Dining, And Most Gyms, Churches
By The Associated Press
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has extended the closure of bars and indoor dining statewide and has ordered gyms, churches and hair salons closed in most places as coronavirus cases keep rising. On July 1, Newsom ordered many counties to close bars and indoor operations at restaurants, wineries, zoos and family entertainment centers like bowling alleys and miniature golf.
On Monday, Newsom extended that order statewide and closed additional parts of the world's fifth-largest economy, including indoor malls and offices for noncritical industries. California confirmed 8,358 new coronavirus cases on Sunday. Hospitalizations have increased 28% over the past two weeks.
Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Sunday, July 12
7:55 p.m. | July 12, 2020
Nevada Legislature Pumped The Brakes After COVID-19 Case Reported
By The Associated Press
Nevada lawmakers pumped the brakes on their emergency special session Saturday, a day after someone in the legislative building tested positive for COVID-19. They’re resuming Monday morning. Gov. Steve Sisolak convened the session so lawmakers could balance the state budget amid a projected $1.2 billion shortfall stemming from the coronavirus pandemic. But a day after staff members announced an asymptomatic individual who had been in the legislative building had tested positive, 13 Nevada lawmakers chose to participate remotely in the proceedings.Both chambers decided to reconvene Monday to give people time to get tested and staff time to answer a long list of questions that lawmakers have asked in hearings.
Young Adults Are The Age Group With The Most Active COVID-19 Cases In Washoe Co.
By Stephanie Serrano
Washoe County is reporting another COVID-19 related death Sunday: a woman in her 80s with underlying health conditions. There is a total of 93 deaths in the county. Health officials identified 61 new coronavirus cases in the area; currently there are 1,152 active cases.
The Washoe County Health District says the age group with the greatest number of active COVID-19 cases is the 20-29 population, with 262 cases.
In the Quad-Counties, which stretch across Carson City, Douglas, Lyon and Storey Counties, health officials are reporting 10 new COVID-19 cases Sunday. The region's death toll remains at 8, with a total of 130 active cases. Most of the ten new cases are people in their 30s or younger.
Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Saturday, July 11
4:44 p.m. | July 11, 2020
Eldorado County To Enforce Health Regulations
By KUNR Staff
Eldorado County code officers will start punishing local businesses that refuse to comply with health regulations amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the Tahoe Daily Tribune, county officials say 75% of businesses are respecting the new orders but there are several bars and restaurants that are not doing nearly enough to comply.
The call to hold businesses accountable comes after California Governor Gavin Newsom threatened to withhold COVID-19 relief funds to counties that are not upholding the state's health orders.
The county could lose up to $22.5 millions if action is not taken by local enforcement.
Nevada Is Close To Reaching 600 COVID-19 Related Deaths
By The Associated Press
Nevada reported 13 more deaths and 930 additional confirmed COVID-19 cases on Saturday as a previously announced closure order for bars in seven counties took effect, along with re-imposed limits on restaurants. Gov. Steve Sisolak on Thursday announced that Nevada would join other states in closing bars again after seeing a spike in cases in recent weeks. Restaurants would also need to close their bar areas. Sisolak said the tightened restrictions would apply to counties deemed hot spots, including the counties that encompass Las Vegas and Reno. Nevada has reported 592 deaths from COVID-19 and nearly 27,000 confirmed cases.
Washoe County Report A New COVID-19 Related Death
By Stephanie Serrano
Washoe County is reporting a new COVID-19 related death: a male in his 80s with underlying health conditions. There are a total of 92 deaths in the county. The county is also reporting 67 new coronavirus cases.
2,362 Washoe County residents have recovered from the virus but a total of 1,118 cases remain active.
Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Saturday, July 11
Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Friday, July 10
8:04 p.m. | July 10, 2020
Someone In Nevada Legislative Building Tests Positive For COVID-19 During Special Session
By Paul Boger
Officials with Nevada’s Legislative Counsel Bureau said Friday someone who has been present during the legislature’s special session has tested positive for COVID-19.
While LCB Director Brenda Erdoes would not go into specifics on who has tested positive, she did confirm that someone who has been in the Legislative Building since the start of the special session on Wednesday tested positive for the disease. She also noted that the person who tested positive was asymptomatic and feeling well.
LCB closed the special session to the public in an effort to limit any possible spread of the disease. They also enacted strict mask and social distancing requirements and have stepped up cleaning and disinfecting regimens.
Earlier this week, lawmakers passed a resolution allowing lawmakers to participate in the session remotely if they wish to do so.
For more updates on the 31st Special Session of the Nevada Legislature, visit our live blog.
Seven Nevada Counties, Including Washoe, Will Close Non-Food Serving Bars Friday Night
By Bree Zender
Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak said that on Friday night, the state will be closing bars that don’t serve food in several counties in Nevada that meet elevated COVID-19 transmission criteria.
In a press release, Sisolak’s office said those counties include Washoe, Elko, Humboldt, Lander, Lyon, Nye and Clark Counties.
The state said each of these counties met two of three specific benchmarks related to the county’s average number of tests per day, the county’s case rate, and the county’s test positivity rate. You can read more about those specific measures here.
Bars, wineries, pubs, taverns, distilleries, and breweries that don’t serve food in these counties are expected to close Friday night at midnight.
These types of establishments will be allowed to offer curbside pickup or home delivery if local authorities permit it, but officials said customers cannot congregate while waiting for curbside pickup. Bars that do serve food in a “restaurant-style setting” must close bar areas to customers, but bar beverages may be served at tables outside of the bar area.
Counties throughout Nevada are slated to be reevaluated after two weeks, according to state officials. The counties must be able to provide reopening and compliance plans to the state Department of Health and Human Services in order for bars to be permitted to reopen, as well as meet one or fewer of the state’s high-risk criteria.
Washoe County Reports Two COVID-19-Related Deaths
By Bree Zender
Two women with underlying health conditions are the 90th and 91st people to die in Washoe County from COVID-19-related complications, according to the county’s Regional Information Center.
The county said one woman was in her 80s and the other in her 90s.
In addition, county officials said Washoe’s active case count decreased to 1,103 on Friday. Sixty-five people have recovered from the disease, and 48 were newly diagnosed.
An additional 14 people are now being hospitalized due to COVID-19, according to the county, bringing the total number of people in the hospital because of the disease to 96.
Quad-Counties Report Eleven New Cases, Nine Recoveries
By Michelle Billman
Health officials for the Quad-Counties reported eleven new positive cases of COVID-19 on Friday, including nine Carson City residents and two Douglas County residents. The region also includes Lyon and Storey Counties. There were nine recoveries noted as well. Now, the region has 125 active cases and more than 430 total cases.
Nevada Sees Another Record Jump In COVID-19 Cases; Hospitalizations Quadruple In One Month
By Bree Zender
Nevada saw its number of positive cases of COVID-19 jump by 1,004 cases, according to state data reported today. That's a record high jump since the state began reporting coronavirus cases.
There was a total of 159 known and suspected COVID-19 hospitalizations on June 9, and that number is now more than four times higher. Data shows that there were 654 hospitalizations on Thursday, July 9, in Nevada.
Nevada has seen nearly 26,000 total known cases of COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic, and there have been 579 COVID-19-related deaths.
California May Release 10% Of Inmates In Pandemic Response
By The Associated Press
California plans to release another 2,100 inmates and, in total, will release more than 10,000 state inmates early in response to the coronavirus pandemic. In all, California's efforts could free nearly 10% of prisoners as Gov. Gavin Newsom responds to intensifying pressure from advocates, lawmakers and federal judges. His latest effort will soon free some inmates by granting most a one-time, three-month credit. It follows other measures that are expected to quickly lead to the release of about 8,300 inmates six months before they normally would have been paroled. The 12-week credit applies to every inmate except those who are on death row, serving life-without-parole, or who have a serious recent rules violation.
8:22 a.m. | July 10, 2020
Nevada Governor Orders Bars Closed Again In Hotspot Counties
By The Associated Press
Gov. Steve Sisolak announced Thursday that Nevada would reimplement restrictions on bars and restaurants in certain counties to prevent further spread of coronavirus due to what he called a "spike" in cases. The directive is the second time Nevada has tightened restrictions since the state started reopening in early June, allowing businesses including bars, restaurants, casinos and hotels to accept customers. The number of confirmed cases rose throughout the month, prompting the governor to announce a statewide mask mandate on June 24. Nevada has reported nearly 25,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus and more than 570 deaths since the onset of the pandemic.
Elko Co. Reported 14 New Cases Thursday
By KUNR Staff
According to a press release from public health officials sent Thursday evening:
Elko County is reporting fourteen new positive cases and no recoveries. Yesterday [Wednesday] no hospitalizations were reported; however, there was one case who was hospitalized but has since been discharged.
Elko Co. now has nearly 200 confirmed positive cases and more than 100 active cases.
Northern Nevada State Veteran’s Home Reports More Resident Deaths, Bringing Total To Three
By Bree Zender
At the Northern Nevada State Veteran's Home (NNSVH) in Sparks, two residents have died from COVID-19 complications, bringing the resident death toll at that location to three since an outbreak began there late last month. That's according to the state Department of Veterans Services.
Both were in their 90s. One was a Navy veteran and the other was the spouse of a Korean War Navy veteran.
Thirteen veteran's home residents have active cases of the disease. The department says it's testing all residents and staff approximately every three days.
This hotline provides regular updates about the NNSVH: (775) 418-5026.
Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Thursday, July 9
7:29 p.m. | July 9, 2020
Nevada Sees Spike In COVID-19-Related Deaths Overnight
By Stephanie Serrano
The State of Nevada is reporting a total of 571 COVID-19-related deaths, up 18 more than Wednesday, according to the state’s online dashboard. The total number of cases is close to reaching 25,000, and more than 408,000 tests have been conducted.
Nevada Priest Tests Positive For COVID-19 After Conducting Mass
By The Associated Press
Roman Catholic Church officials in Las Vegas say they have temporarily closed a church where a priest conducted mass this week before learning he had tested positive for COVID-19. The Diocese for Las Vegas said in a news release Thursday that Holy Family Catholic Church would be cleaned and sanitized and that it would be closed until further notice. Church officials said the priest wore a mask and used a hand sanitizer, but they recommended that anyone who attended the Mass conducted 8:30 a.m. Wednesday be tested. Officials also said those working at the parish who came in contact with the priest have been told to self-quarantine and be tested.
Washoe County Sees Four COVID-19-Related Deaths And Spike In Cases
By Stephanie Serrano
Washoe County reported four COVID-19-related deaths Thursday. According to the Regional Information Center, the deceased include three females between the ages of 70 and 100 who had underlying health conditions and a man in his 70s. It is under investigation whether or not he had underlying health conditions. The county is reporting its highest confirmed case count in one day with 131.
Officials said the spike in cases is associated with exposed contacts, social gatherings and domestic travel, along with not following social distancing guidelines. Many of those who tested positive attended Fourth of July gatherings.
There are currently 1,122 active cases in the county.
Quad-Counties Report 11 New Cases
By Stephanie Serrano
The Quad-Counties, which stretch across Carson City, Douglas, Lyon and Storey Counties, are reporting 11 new COVID-19 cases. Most of the cases confirmed had no known connection to a previous case. Currently, there are 123 active cases and the death toll remains at eight.
COVID-19 Pandemic Is Impacting California’s Firefighters
By The Associated Press
California is scrambling to find a sufficient number of firefighters amid a coronavirus outbreak that has depleted the pool of inmates who usually handle some of the toughest duties. It also derailed a plan to hire 600 new state firefighters and support personnel. Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday said the state has enough money to add a scaled-back 172 professional firefighters. He is using his emergency authority to beef up seasonal fire crews as the state enters another hot, dry summer when fires often rage out of control. The state has also lost more than half its firefighting crews staffed by inmates.
Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Wednesday, July 8
Correction: An earlier version of this blog post stated an incorrect number of active COVID-19 cases in Washoe County for July 8, 2020. The post has been updated with the correct number.
8:09 p.m. | July 8, 2020
Nevada COVID-19 Cases Surpass 24,000
By Jayden Perez
The State of Nevada reported 516 new COVID-19 cases Wednesday, bringing the total of confirmed cases to more than 24,000. The death toll statewide has increased to 553, according to the state’s online dashboard. There has been a record number of 12,776 daily new tests reported.
Washoe County Reports Three COVID-19 Deaths Wednesday
By Jayden Perez
Washoe County reported 33 new cases of COVID-19 Wednesday, and 47 new recoveries have also been reported. There are now over 1,000 active cases and more than 3,000 total cases of COVID-19 in Washoe County, and three new deaths have been reported, bringing the death total to 85.
Quad-Counties And Elko Report New Positive Cases
By Michelle Billman
Carson City Health and Human Services reported eleven new positive cases of COVID-19 Wednesday and five additional recoveries. The new cases include nine Carson City residents, one Douglas County resident, and one Lyon County resident. The region also includes Storey County and now has a total of 412 cases of which more than 130 remain active.
Quad-County residents without symptoms can utilize one drive-thru COVID-19 testing event on Friday, July 10, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Silver Stage High School. Testing is on a first come, first served basis and is free.
In Elko County, health officials reported four new positive cases Wednesday, along with 11 recoveries and no current hospitalizations.
Special Session Raises Coronavirus Concern In Nevada Capital
By The Associated Press
Nevada lawmakers converged on the state capital for a special budget session Wednesday morning after outbreaks of the novel coronavirus were reported in legislatures in California and Mississippi. The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 has risen in Nevada since casinos started reopening in early June. The virus has hit the Las Vegas area especially hard. Clark County, home to most of the state's residents, has almost three times as many confirmed cases per person as Carson City, prompting concerns that convening the Legislature could further spread the virus to rural northern Nevada.
Nevada Businesses, Hospitality Got $4 Billion In Federal Loans
By The Associated Press
Nevada businesses received more than $4 billion in loans under a federal rescue package designed to aid small businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. Data released by the U.S. Treasury Department this week showed more than 42,000 loans were issued to businesses in Nevada with some of the biggest benefactors among the state's hospitality industry. Restaurants received more loans and more loan money than any industry in Nevada, getting somewhere between $138 million and $260 million in loans while non-hotel casinos received somewhere between $32 million and $72 million.
Nevada Officials Implore Mask Use In Bid To Stem Coronavirus
By The Associated Press
Nevada state and local officials implored people to heed the governor's directive to wear masks and keep safe distances apart, while acknowledging they await a possible increase in coronavirus cases following Independence Day festivities. Clark County Commission Chairwoman Marilyn Kirkpatrick cited news reports and cellphone video of a July 4 party in a Las Vegas desert area that apparently drew a crowd of hundreds of people not wearing masks or keeping a recommended 6 feet apart. She said that's not the way to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Get Caught Up:
- July 7 | Regional Updates
- Nevada Reports Nearly 900 Additional Cases Of COVID-19, Officials Discuss Limitations Of Contact Tracing
- COVID-19 Outbreak Closes California’s Capitol
- Companies Tied To California Officials Get U.S. Virus Loans
- Burning Man Receives Millions In Small Business Loans
- Judge Orders More Information To Be Gathered For Lawsuit Against DETR
- Updates On Reported Cases For Washoe, Elko and Quad-Counties
For continued updates on the novel coronavirus in Nevada, visit our updates and resourcespage.
