3 additional COVID-19-related deaths reported
CDC approves vaccine for those aged 12-15; waiting on state to start distributing
May 12, 2021. Reno/Sparks, NV – The Regional Information Center is reporting three additional COVID-19-related deaths in Washoe County. There have been 674 COVID-19-related deaths in Washoe County since March 2020.
The deceased are three males, two were in their 60s and one in his 40s, and all had an underlying health condition. Additionally, we’re reporting 39 new COVID-19 cases and 88 recoveries.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for those aged 12-15 years. The Washoe County Health District is working with the state to begin vaccinating those 12-15 but it is not available yet. The Regional Information Center will distribute information once it’s available to those aged 12-15 years.
COVID-19 vaccine appointments are available at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center are available. Register for an appointment here. Appointments are not required to receive a COVID-19 vaccine as you can drive up to the location here; please note that registering for an appointment will take less time at check-in.
- Total COVID-19 cases in Washoe County: 45,658 (+39 from 5/11)
- Deaths: 674 (+3)
- Recovered: 43,208 (+88)
- Active cases: 1,776 (-1)
- Hospitalized with COVID-19: 29 (+0 since 5/10)
- Positivity rate: 5.1%
- Vaccines administered in Washoe County: 369,379 (+3,766 from 5/11; 55.58% of Washoe County population 16+ have had vaccination initiated)
- Washoe County residents fully vaccinated: 167,822 (+3,114 from 5/11; 43.84% of Washoe County population 16+)
- Vaccine doses administered by Washoe County Health District: 155,064 (+414 from 5/11; 72,758 fully vaccinated)
Please note that COVID-19 case count, recovery and death information can change retroactively based on updated information that the Washoe County Health District receives. For example, if the Health District receives new positive test results or discovers that a case did not live in Washoe County, the number of cases, recoveries or deaths reported on a previous day can go up or down based on what was previously reported. See the COVID-19 Dashboard here.
*Hospitalization data is from Nevada Hospital Association.
*Washoe County COVID-19 Vaccine Data can be found on the State of Nevada dashboard, here.
*Vaccine data from the Washoe County Health District can be found here.
COVID-19 tests performed in Washoe County
- Total number of COVID-19 tests performed in Washoe County: 443,768 (+1,017 since 5/11)
Note: These figures are provided by the State of Nevada and can be found on the State Dashboard. COVID-19 tests may include non-Washoe County residents who were tested in Washoe County.
Hospital bed and ventilator information
According to the Nevada Hospital Association, in Washoe County:
- 58 percent of all licensed hospital beds are occupied (+0% since 5/10)
- 61 percent staffed hospital beds are occupied (+0%)
- 42 percent of all Intensive Care Unit beds are occupied (+0%)
NOTE: Numbers are for all hospital patients in Washoe County and not just COVID-19 patients.
Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine approved for ages 12-15
The Food & Drug Administration announced that the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine can be given to individuals aged 12 years and older. Read more here. The Washoe County Health District is working with the State on plans to begin vaccinating adolescents aged 12-15 soon. More information will be distributed once details are finalized.
How to talk about COVID-19 vaccines with friends and family
It’s normal for people to have questions about COVID-19 vaccines. Friends and family members can help make sure they have accurate information to make an informed decision. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention has some tips on how to talk to friends and family about COVID-19 vaccines. Learn more here.
Study: Second dose of COVID-19 vaccine is critical in preventing hospitalization for COVID-19
For residents who receive the Pfizer or Modern two-dose COVID-19 vaccine, it’s extremely important that you get the second dose. There are reports nationwide of people in the United States failing to get the second dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine. A recent CDC report showed that the second dose of a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine prevented 94% of hospitalizations for COVID-19 whereas one dose only prevented 64 percent of hospitalizations. Read more.
Residents 16+ eligible for Free COVID-19 vaccine
Washoe County residents 16 years and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine and the Washoe County COVID-19 response team has launched a new scheduling platform that will allow residents to choose the brand of COVID-19 vaccine they want. Read more. Watch a tutorial video on how to schedule an appointment here.
Need a COVID-19 test? It’s easy to sign up and it’s free
COVID-19 testing is still available at the Livestock Events Center and can be scheduled online here (en español aqui) or by calling 775-328-2427. It’s free and it does not matter if you have symptoms or not.
Sign up for the COVID Trace App
COVID Trace is a contact tracing mobile app developed by the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services that uses a technology called the Exposure Notifications System from Google and Apple. The app exchanges anonymous information with other phones in your vicinity and can notify you if you’ve come in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.See more here.
The COVID-19 Regional Information Center is working together to deliver COVID-19 community updates in a unified manner. While press releases are only sent periodically for significant events, you can always get daily results on our website, https://covid19washoe.com/, our COVID-19 Dashboard or by following 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.