Dec. 14, 2021. Reno/Sparks, NV – The Regional Information Center is reporting the 1,000th COVID-19-related death in Washoe County.
“By now, just about all of us knew someone who left us too soon because of COVID-19,” said Kevin Dick, District Health Officer in Washoe County. “To those who have lost loved ones to COVID-19, we send our condolences. This is a tragic milestone for the community and a reminder of how impactful this disease has been.”
The first COVID-19-related death in Washoe County was reported on March 28, 2020, which was 626 days ago.
Of the 1,000 COVID-19-related deaths, only 59 were fully vaccinated and had underlying health conditions. Forty five of the 59 were 65 years and older, 11 were 50-64 and three were 30-49. All of the other COVID-19 related deaths were individuals that were not fully vaccinated. Since the COVID-19 vaccine was authorized for those 16 and older in Washoe County on April 19, 2021, there has been a 41 percent decrease in the COVID-19 fatality rate.
While no vaccine is 100% effective, the COVID-19 vaccine has been proven to help prevent people from contracting, being hospitalized from, and dying from COVID-19. Those who are fully vaccinated can contract the virus, but the symptoms are usually not as severe. The COVID-19 vaccine is authorized for anyone 5 years and older. Those who are 16 years and older should consider getting a COVID-19 booster to strengthen your protection if you were vaccinated early on. See if you’re eligible here.
For more COVID-19 statistics in Washoe County, see our dashboard. To get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster, visit vaccines.gov to find a provider near you. You can also find a community vaccine event 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 Community Health Alliance and the area hospitals, Northern Nevada Medical Center, Renown Health and Saint Mary’s.