541 new COVID-19 cases, 4 COVID-19-related deaths reported last two days

Health District administered over 1,000 COVID-19 vaccinations on Saturday

Health District Hotline:
775.328.2427

Follow us on Twitter:
Twitter.com/covid19washoe

Jan. 2, 2021. Reno/Sparks, NV – The Regional Information Center is reporting 541 COVID-19 cases and four COVID-19-related deaths in Washoe County over the past few days. There was no COVID-19 regional update on New Year’s Day.

The deceased are:

• Male, 60s, underlying health condition
• Male, 80s, underlying health condition
• Female, 90s, underlying health condition
• Male, 70s, underlying health condition

There have been 493 COVID-19-related deaths reported in Washoe County.

The breakdown of new cases and deaths over the past two days goes as follows: On Friday, Jan. 1, there were 391 new COVID-19 cases and four COVID-19-related deaths reported; today, we’re reporting 150 new COVID-19 cases and zero COVID-19-related deaths.

• Total COVID-19 cases in Washoe County: 36,297 (+541 from 12/31)
• Deaths: 493 (+4)
• Recovered: 20,838 (+69)
• Active cases: 14,966 (+468)
• Hospitalized with COVID-19*: 281 (+0)

*Data from Nevada Hospital Association (not updated on weekends or holidays) includes residents from outside of Washoe County.

COVID-19 tests performed in Washoe County

• Total number of COVID-19 tests performed in Washoe County as of January 2: 302,189 (+3,651 since 12/31; there was no update on Jan. 1 so the above is two days’ worth of testing)

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 as of December 31 (Numbers not updated on weekends):

• 85 percent staffed hospital beds are occupied (-1% since 12/30)
• 72 percent of all licensed hospital beds are occupied (-1%)
• 63 percent of all Intensive Care Unit beds are occupied (-2%)
• 31 percent of all ventilators are in use (-4%)

NOTE: Numbers are for all hospital patients in Washoe County and not just COVID-19 patients.

Health District administered over 1,000 COVID-19 vaccines on Saturday

The Washoe County Health District administered the COVID-19 vaccine to more than 1,000 people on Saturday at its Point of Dispensing (POD) site at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center. In total, the Health District has administered over 4,250 COVID-19 vaccines since Dec. 23.

People in COVID-19 Vaccine Tier 1 must bring identification, proof of employment to get vaccine

The Washoe County Health District is reminding those in the COVID-19 vaccine Tier 1 that they must bring a valid ID and proof that they work in a Tier-1 group when they show up for a vaccine appointment at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center. Those who do not have the proper documentation will be turned away. Those 75 and older are not included in Tier 1; however, they will be in the Tier 2 group, which is expected to be vaccinated in late January.

The Health District has vaccinated more than 3,900 Tier-1 workers through today. The Health District has received more than 7,500 COVID-19 vaccines from the State of Nevada and has vaccinated more than 3,900 people at the Livestock Events Center. The rest of those vaccines have been distributed to area hospitals, fire departments, REMSA and other area frontline workers.

The State of Nevada announced that residents 75 and older will be included in Tier 2 of the COVID-19 vaccine response. Residents are asked to avoid contacting the Health District to see if they can get vaccinated. The Health District is in contact with groups in Tier 1 and will not move to Tier 2 until a majority of Tier 1 has been vaccinated.

For more information,  go to our website. For a list of Frequently Asked Question, go here.

Volunteer to help fight COVID-19 in Washoe County

The Washoe County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is looking for medical professionals or those without medical experience to volunteer to help fight COVID-19 in Washoe County.

MRC was created to support public health and emergency response efforts during natural disasters and other emergencies by providing trained volunteers to help staff shelters, alternate care sites, and points of dispensing. Given the rise in hospitalizations and increased demand in COVID-19 testing, volunteers are needed to support the region. Learn how to volunteer by going to this website, or email wchdvolunteers@washoecounty.us.

Download the COVID Trace app, and help stop COVID-19

Washoe County health officials are strongly recommending that residents download the COVID Trace, an easy-to-use app that helps fight COVID-19 in Washoe County and Nevada, without compromising your privacy. Learn 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. 

6 COVID-19-related deaths, 305 new cases reported

There will be no COVID-19 Regional Update on New Years Day

Health District Hotline:
775.328.2427

Follow us on Twitter:
Twitter.com/covid19washoe

Dec. 31, 2020. Reno/Sparks, NV – The Regional Information Center is reporting six additional COVID-19-related deaths in Washoe County. The deceased were: Two males in their 50s, male in his 60s, male in his 70s, male in his 80s and a female in her 50s; all had an underlying health condition.

We’ve reported 489 COVID-19-related deaths in Washoe County. In December there were 211 COVID-19-related deaths reported, which accounts for 43 percent of the total deaths reported.

For comparison, in November, there were 80 COVID-19 related deaths reported, with 39 in October and 20 in September.

The Health District recommends residents avoid hosting or attending a New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day gathering.

Additionally, there were 305 new COVID-19 cases in Washoe County.

• Total COVID-19 cases in Washoe County: 35,756 (+305 from 12/30)
• Deaths: 489 (+6)
• Recovered: 20,769 (+78)
• Active cases: 14,498 (+221)
• Hospitalized with COVID-19*: 281 (-24)

*Data from Nevada Hospital Association (not updated on weekends or holidays) includes residents from outside of Washoe County.

COVID-19 tests performed in Washoe County

• Total number of COVID-19 tests performed in Washoe County as of December 31: 298,538 (+1,682 since 12/30)

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 as of December 31 (Numbers not updated on weekends):

• 85 percent staffed hospital beds are occupied (-1% since 12/30)
• 72 percent of all licensed hospital beds are occupied (-1%)
• 63 percent of all Intensive Care Unit beds are occupied (-2%)

• 31 percent of all ventilators are in use (-4%)

NOTE: Numbers are for all hospital patients in Washoe County and not just COVID-19 patients.

People in COVID-19 Vaccine Tier 1 must bring identification, proof of employment to get vaccine

The Washoe County Health District is reminding those in the COVID-19 vaccine Tier 1 that they must bring a valid ID and proof that they work in a Tier-1 group when they show up for a vaccine appointment at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center. Those who do not have the proper documentation will be turned away. Those 75 and older are not included in Tier 1; however, they will be in the Tier 2 group, which is expected to be vaccinated in late January.

The Health District has vaccinated more than 3,900 Tier-1 workers through today. The Health District has received more than 7,500 COVID-19 vaccines from the State of Nevada and has vaccinated more than 3,900 people at the Livestock Events Center. The rest of those vaccines have been distributed to area hospitals, fire departments, REMSA and other area frontline workers.

The State of Nevada announced that residents 75 and older will be included in Tier 2 of the COVID-19 vaccine response. Residents are asked to avoid contacting the Health District to see if they can get vaccinated. The Health District is in contact with groups in Tier 1 and will not move to Tier 2 until a majority of Tier 1 has been vaccinated.

For more information,  go to our website. For a list of Frequently Asked Question, go here.

Volunteer to help fight COVID-19 in Washoe County

The Washoe County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is looking for medical professionals or those without medical experience to volunteer to help fight COVID-19 in Washoe County.

MRC was created to support public health and emergency response efforts during natural disasters and other emergencies by providing trained volunteers to help staff shelters, alternate care sites, and points of dispensing. Given the rise in hospitalizations and increased demand in COVID-19 testing, volunteers are needed to support the region. Learn how to volunteer by going to this website, or email wchdvolunteers@washoecounty.us.

Download the COVID Trace app, and help stop COVID-19

Washoe County health officials are strongly recommending that residents download the COVID Trace, an easy-to-use app that helps fight COVID-19 in Washoe County and Nevada, without compromising your privacy. Learn 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. 

Seniors 75 and older are not yet eligible to receive COVID-19 Vaccine

See answers to other frequently asked vaccine questions

Health District Hotline:
775.328.2427

Follow us on Twitter:
Twitter.com/covid19washoe

Dec. 31, 2020. Reno/Sparks, NV – The Regional Information Center is reminding residents that the 75-and-older population is not yet eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.

However, individuals who are 75 and older are now being added to the Tier 2 group of the State of Nevada’s COVID-19 Vaccine Playbook, which will be updated to account for this change soon, and we’re expecting to vaccinate the Tier-2 group in late January.

Washoe County is currently vaccinating those in the Tier-1 group, which includes front line medical workers, law enforcement and other medical personnel. Once most Tier-1 personnel in Washoe County are offered the COVID-19 vaccine, the Health District will transition to Tier 2. The State is working on an update to its COVID-19 Vaccine Playbook, which includes the addition of 75+ population to Tier 2, and it will be released soon.

See the list of current COVID-19 vaccine tiers here, which will include the 75+ population once the state unveils the updated version of the vaccine playbook.

Confusion on which tier the 75-and-older population fell into has led to an uptick in calls and emails to the Health District, which takes away from primary duties. There have been reports of people showing up to the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center unannounced to receive the vaccine who had to be turned away.

“We appreciate people being eager and excited to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible,” said Kevin Dick, District Health Officer for Washoe County. “New information is flowing into us by the hour and we’re working long hours and weekends to be able to distribute it to more than 470,000 people in Washoe County. We ask the general public for patience at this time as we work with local, state and federal partners on this enormous logistical challenge ahead of us.”

The Health District has a list of Frequently Asked Questions on our website. Other common questions that are coming into our call center and email inboxes are as follows. 

How will I be notified when it’s my time to be vaccinated?

We’re working with Tier-1 employers to vaccinate their employees who fall into the Tier-1 category. A large portion of Tier 2 will be essential workers, and priority list of those essential workers will be developed by the State of Nevada with guidance from the federal government. Employers will be tasked with notifying employees of how to sign up for the vaccine and when it will occur. For the remainder in Tier 2, the Regional Information Center will make that updated information publicly accessible when it’s finalized and work with community partners to share the news with as many people as possible in Washoe County. The notification process for individuals that are 75 and older has not yet been finalized.  Pharmacies are expected to provide vaccinations for some of the Tier 2 workers and individuals age 75 and older.

Can I signup to receive an alert when I can get a vaccine?

The Regional Information Center will distribute public information when certain population groups are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. We ask that you be patient during this process and check for updates on our website, www.COVID19Washoe.com and with local news outlets.

How will you verify that people getting the vaccine are eligible?

The COVID-19 vaccine site has Nevada National Guard members at the entrance to check for personal identification and verify employment. People who are not eligible for the vaccine will be turned away.

For more information, go to our website. For more FAQs, go 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. 

9 COVID-19-related deaths, 319 new cases reported

Health District Hotline:
775.328.2427

Follow us on Twitter:
Twitter.com/covid19washoe

Dec. 30, 2020. Reno/Sparks, NV – The Regional Information Center is reporting nine COVID-19-related deaths in Washoe County, pushing the total number of deaths to 483. The deceased are:

• Male, 60s, underlying health condition
• Female, 70s, underlying health condition
• Male, 40s, underlying health condition
• Female, 80s, underlying health condition
• Male, 60s, underlying health condition
• Male, 70s, underlying health condition
• Female, 80s, underlying health condition
• Male, 70s, underlying health condition
• Male, 80s, underlying health condition

Additionally, we’re reporting 319 new COVID-19 cases in Washoe County.

• Total COVID-19 cases in Washoe County: 35,451 (+319 from 12/29)
• Deaths: 483 (+9)
• Recovered: 20,691 (+116)
• Active cases: 14,277 (+194)
• Hospitalized with COVID-19*: 305 (+12)

*Data from Nevada Hospital Association (not updated on weekends or holidays) includes residents from outside of Washoe County.

COVID-19 tests performed in Washoe County

• Total number of COVID-19 tests performed in Washoe County as of December 30: 296,856 (+1,207 since 12/29)

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 as of December 30 (Numbers not updated on weekends):

• 86 percent staffed hospital beds are occupied (+8% since 12/29)
• 73 percent of all licensed hospital beds are occupied (+7%)
• 65 percent of all Intensive Care Unit beds are occupied (+7%)

• 35 percent of all ventilators are in use (+1%)

NOTE: Numbers are for all hospital patients in Washoe County and not just COVID-19 patients.

People in COVID-19 Vaccine Tier 1 must bring identification, proof of employment to get vaccine

The Washoe County Health District is reminding those in the COVID-19 vaccine Tier 1 that they must bring a valid ID and proof that they work in a Tier-1 group when they show up for a vaccine appointment at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center. Those who do not have the proper documentation will be turned away.

The Health District has vaccinated more than 3,900 Tier-1 workers through today. The Health District has received more than 7,500 COVID-19 vaccines from the State of Nevada and has vaccinated more than 3,900 people at the Livestock Events Center. The rest of those vaccines have been distributed to area hospitals, fire departments, REMSA and other area frontline workers.

The State of Nevada announced that residents 75 and older will be included in Tier 2 of the COVID-19 vaccine response. Residents are asked to avoid contacting the Health District to see if they can get vaccinated. The Health District is in contact with groups in Tier 1 and will not move to Tier 2 until a majority of Tier 1 has been vaccinated.

For more information,  go to our website. For a list of Frequently Asked Question, go 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. 

14 additional COVID-19-related deaths reported in Washoe County

Health District Hotline:
775.328.2427

Follow us on Twitter:
Twitter.com/covid19washoe

Dec. 29, 2020. Reno/Sparks, NV – The Regional Information Center is reporting 14 additional COVID-19-related deaths in Washoe County. The deceased are:

• Male, 80s, underlying health condition
• Male, 80s, underlying health condition
• Female, 70s, underlying health condition
• Male, 80s, underlying health condition
• Male, 60s, underlying health condition
• Male, 60s, underlying health condition
• Male, 70s, underlying health condition
• Male, 80s, underlying health condition
• Male, 30s, underlying health condition
• Female, 90s, underlying health condition
• Female, 50s, underlying health condition
• Male, 70s, no underlying health conditions noted
• Male, 80s, underlying health condition
• Male, 60s, underlying health condition

There have been 474 COVID-19-related deaths in Washoe County. The 14 COVID-19-related deaths reported in one day is one off the record of 15, which occurred on Dec. 18.

Additionally, we’re reporting 94 new COVID-19 cases in Washoe County. The low number of cases can be attributed to the lull in testing and lab operations over the holiday.

• Total COVID-19 cases in Washoe County: 35,132 (+94 from 12/28)
• Deaths: 474 (+14)
• Recovered: 20,575 (+83)
• Active cases: 14,083 (-3)
• Hospitalized with COVID-19*: 293 (-7)

*Data from Nevada Hospital Association (not updated on weekends or holidays) includes residents from outside of Washoe County.

COVID-19 tests performed in Washoe County

• Total number of COVID-19 tests performed in Washoe County as of December 29: 295,649 (+1,027 since 12/28)

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 as of December 29 (Numbers not updated on weekends):

• 78 percent staffed hospital beds are occupied (-2% since 12/28)
• 66 percent of all licensed hospital beds are occupied (-2%)
• 58 percent of all Intensive Care Unit beds are occupied (+0%)

• 34 percent of all ventilators are in use (+0%)

NOTE: Numbers are for all hospital patients in Washoe County and not just COVID-19 patients.

Health District working with medical community for COVID-19 vaccine

The Washoe County Health District is currently working with medical professionals who are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Individuals or companies who have not scheduled a COVID-19 vaccine are asked to read the latest Washoe County Health District Epi News, which can be found here.

Residents are asked to avoid contacting the Health District regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and instead go to our website for the latest information.

COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs

Have a question about the COVID-19 vaccine in Washoe County? See who’s incorporated into Tiers 1-4 and learn about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines on our website.

Learn more about all things COVID-19 at our website, https://covid19washoe.com/.

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.