17 Delta variant COVID-19 cases reported in Washoe County
Residents encouraged to get vaccinated to protect against variants of concern
June 23, 2021. Reno/Sparks, NV – The Regional Information Center is reporting 17 COVID-19 cases in Washoe County that have been confirmed to be the B.1.617.2 variant of concern, known as the Delta variant which originated in India. Of the 17 cases, four were hospitalized (three in the Intensive Care Unit) and all were under age 60. None of the hospitalized cases received the COVID-19 vaccine.
According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, the Delta variant of concern is very contagious and is disproportionally affecting younger people.
The Health District is aware of three clusters involving COVID-19 Delta variants. One cluster of nine COVID-19 cases involves Hunsberger Elementary School students, as well as family members and household contacts. A cluster is defined as two or more confirmed or probable cases that are connected to a place within a 14-day period. Four of the cases are elementary school children and two of those cases have been confirmed to have the B.1.617.2 Delta variant of concern. Two of the other five cases have also been identified as the Delta variant.
The two other clusters are at workplaces in Washoe County and are under investigation.
The COVID-19 vaccine is proven to be effective against variants of concern, including the Delta variant. COVID-19 vaccine appointments are available at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center and can be scheduled here. Walk-ins are also welcome – see a schedule of operations here. More options at local pharmacies and elsewhere can be found here.
The Health District encourages those who need a COVID-19 test to get it at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center, which is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Schedule a test here. Tests administered at the Livestock Events Center automatically are sequenced by the Nevada State Public Health Lab.
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.