REGIONAL INFORMATION CENTER UPDATE – APRIL 25

REGIONAL INFORMATION CENTER UPDATE – APRIL 25

Two additional COVID-19 deaths reported in Washoe County

Health District Hotline:
775.328.2427

Follow us on Twitter:
Twitter.com/covid19washoe

Reno/Sparks, NV – The Regional Information Team is reporting two additional COVID-19-related deaths in Washoe County. The deceased were:

• Male in his 80s with underlying health conditions
• Male in his 50s with underlying health conditions

There were 36 additional positive COVID-19 cases and three recoveries in Washoe County.

• Total COVID-19 cases in Washoe County: 791 (+36 from 4/24)
• Deaths: 27 (+2)
• Recoveries: 244 (+3)
• Active cases: 520 (+31)
• Currently hospitalized: 43 (+1)
• Cases who have discharged from hospital: 53 (+3)

Fire danger and outdoor activities

With the warmer weather, we expect larger-than-normal crowd this weekend in national, state, and local area parks and open spaces. The Regional Information Center would like to remind outdoor enthusiasts that while trails remain open, crowded recreation areas and parking lots are places where COVID-19 transmission could occur.

Conditions remain dry.  Avoid activities that can start wildfires such as target shooting, off-roading, or using tools or equipment that create sparks and could start a wildfire.

Fire restrictions have been put in place earlier than normal to reduce firefighter exposure and to help prevent routing critical fire and medical resources to help fight human-caused wildfires. Currently, the following is prohibited in U.S Forest areas.

• Igniting, building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, including charcoal grills and barbecues, coal and wood burning stoves, and sheepherder’s stoves.
• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, trailer, or building.

For information and updates on recreation closures and fire restrictions on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, please visit the following sites:

• http://www.fs.usda.gov/htnf
• https://www.facebook.com/HumboldtToiyabeNF/
• https://twitter.com/HumboldtToiyabe

Total number of COVID-19 tests in Washoe County: 8,459 (+103)

As of April 23, 2020, a total of 8,459 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Washoe County. The tests may include non-Washoe County residents who were tested in Washoe County.

Hospital bed and ventilator information

In Washoe County as of April 24, 2020:

• 59 percent of short-term, acute-care hospital beds are occupied (-1% since April 22)
• 50 percent of the Intensive Care Unit beds are occupied (-4%)
• 21 percent of ventilators are in use (-6%)

COVID-19 testing available

The Washoe County Health District is offering free COVID-19 testing through our drive-thru method. Testing is also being done at area hospitals.

To get tested, residents must have symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath. Your physician can refer you to get tested, or you can complete a risk assessment through Washoe County.

To complete a risk assessment, please contact your physician or call the COVID-19 hotline at 775-328-2427. You can also fill out this form (Complete el formulario de evaluación COVID-19). Learn more here.

River recreation not advised at this time

The Reno National Weather Service is projecting a pronounced warming and drying trend starting today, April 23, which will result in increased river flows from snowmelt this weekend. Fast, cold water could result in more regional rescue incidents with increased river use due to above-normal temperatures for this time of year. Peak flows in the Truckee River are expected to occur around May 1. Watch this video.

At this time, key public safety messages include:

• Due to fast, cold flows and COVID-19 social-distancing recommendations, river recreation by the general public is not advised at this time.
• Consider waiting to float or swim the Truckee River until flows subside, and the state announces more precise reopening plans.
• An unprepared person entering the water may experience hypothermia within several minutes, affecting their ability to swim and make decisions, leading to drowning.
• If you do decide to go in the river, always wear a life jacket, helmet, thermal protection and sturdy shoes for river recreation.
• Do not drink alcohol or use drugs when boating or tubing.
• Never go into the river alone.
• Have a plan and a rendezvous point in case you become separated.
• Let a friend or family member know when you plan to return.

The COVID-19 Regional Information Center is working together to deliver COVID-19 community updates in a unified manner. Follow us on Twitter @COVID19Washoe. The entities include: City of Reno, City of Sparks, North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, Regional Transportation Commission, REMSA, Reno Sparks Indian Colony, Reno Police Department, Reno Fire Department, Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District, University of Nevada, Reno, Washoe County, Washoe County Health District, Washoe County School District and Washoe County Sheriff’s Office. Also in the group are the area hospitals, Northern Nevada Medical Center, Renown Health and Saint Mary’s.