by Washoe County | Jan 14, 2022 | Press Release
Jan. 13, 2021. Reno/Sparks, NV – Northshore Clinical Laboratories, which is operating four COVID-19 test sites in Washoe County, will temporarily close two locations due to a staffing shortage.
The testing sites at Bartley Ranch Regional Park and Eagle Canyon Park will be closed Friday, Jan. 14, through Monday, Jan. 17, and will reopen Tuesday, Jan. 18. All four locations will be closed on Monday, Jan. 17, in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday.
The remaining two locations at South Valleys Regional Park and North Valleys Regional Park are open from 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. Those seeking COVID-19 tests should expect delays and be prepared to wait. Northshore does not take reservations but does ask residents to pre-register to speed up the process.
“It’s important to remember that each location is processing around 400 tests per day,” Washoe County COVID-19 Incident Commander Dave Solaro said. “Even with two locations temporarily closed, that is 800 potential cases per day that otherwise would not be able to be tested. The surge of the Omicron variant is real and it is affecting everyone, including the very healthcare professionals administering those tests, so I ask residents to be patient.”
Those who are experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms should self-isolate and treat the symptoms as if they are infected with COVID-19. Northshore is administering rapid-tests, and results are typically available by the end of the day. Results can also be obtained by emailing results@northshorepartners.io. Northshore is a private company and not a division of the Washoe County Health District, so results are not available from the Health District.
For the latest updates on COVID-19 testing and other news, visit www.COVID19Washoe.com and follow @COVID19Washoe on Twitter.
The COVID-19-19 Regional Information Center is working together to deliver COVID-19-19 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://COVID-1919washoe.com/, our COVID-19-19 Dashboard or by following us on Twitter @COVID-1919Washoe. The entities include: City of Reno, City of Sparks, North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, Regional Transportation Commission, REMSA Health, 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.
by Washoe County | Jan 11, 2022 | Press Release
Reno, Sparks Nev. Jan. 11, 2022. The Washoe County Health District (WCHD) is supplementing COVID-19 disease investigation efforts and improving efficiency by launching an automated text messaging and email notification system designed to notify residents who are a close contact to someone who has COVID-19.
This new process will allow for quicker notification of close contacts in this surge. The notifications will include instructions on what to do if you are a close contact, which includes a direct link to the covid19washoe.com website self isolation and quarantine page.
If you receive an email or text message please read the important information provided and follow the instructions to keep our community safe. These texts will not be sent to persons under the age of 18 years.
“Adding these tools to our contact tracing efforts will make a big impact on our ability to get information out to people more efficiently in this surge,” said Nancy Diao, Division Director for Epidemiology and Public Health Preparedness for the Health District.
The COVID-19 Omicron variant is highly contagious and is spreading through the community quickly. On Jan. 11, 2022, we reported the most cases in a day during this pandemic with 1,024, which breaks the record set on Thursday, Jan. 6, of 1,011. For more COVID-19 data in Washoe County, see this dashboard.
COVID-19 test results from Northshore Clinical Laboratory
Northshore Clinical Lab Laboratory continues to administer free COVID-19 tests at four community sites. Results for those tests will be notified to residents by Northshore.
The Washoe County Health District, and the COVID-19 call center 775-328-2427, does not have access to test results, nor does it provide notification to residents, for tests administered by Northshore at the four community test sites.
The Health District continues to administer tests at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center and recently extended operations to mornings Monday-Friday. Schedule an appointment here.
The Washoe County Health District is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making Washoe County District Board of Health. The District consists of five divisions: Administrative Health Services, Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Epidemiology & Public Health Preparedness. More info can be found here.
by Washoe County | Jan 7, 2022 | Press Release
Jan. 7, 2021. Reno/Sparks, NV – The Omicron variant of COVID-19 is spreading quickly in Washoe County and creating high demand for COVID-19 tests. Washoe County recently contracted with NorthShore Lab to augment testing capacity by adding four locations around the county that are open seven days a week. These locations have testing supplies for more than 400 tests per day per location, and they are meeting that capacity early in the day. They will be increasing staffing to meet the need.
With this in mind, the Regional Information Center is providing the following advice for those seeking COVID-19 tests:
- Be patient. Lines are long at testing locations and may require that you wait in line. Please be aware and prepared to wait to receive a test.
- If you are testing with NorthShore, you can help speed up the process by pre-registering for your COVID-19 test. This is not an appointment. Appointments are not required for the NorthShore Lab testing sites.
- Due to the high volume of tests conducted daily by NorthShore Lab, they will only be offering rapid antigen tests. PCR tests require lab processing and take longer to receive results. Antigen tests are less sensitive but provide results in about an hour.
- The Washoe County Health District is still conducting COVID-19 tests by appointment at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Event Center. Visit com to schedule a test.
- If you schedule a test at the Health District but decide not to go, please cancel your appointment. The Health District is experiencing a high number of no-show appointments every day, and therefore not able to meet the need of those who need to be tested.
- Many area pharmacies offer COVID-19 tests. Walgreens, CVS and Walmart, as well as local health facilities, can provide COVID-19 tests. Please visit com to find a location near you.
- While Omicron spreads easily and rapidly. If you are feeling ill and waiting to get a COVID-19 test, the best action is to stay home and isolate from others for the length of time recommended by the CDC. The isolation guidance varies depending on vaccination status.
- COVID-19 test providers are working quickly and diligently to serve everyone who needs a test, but lines may be long and you may be required to wait outside or in your car. Be aware of traffic and ensure that you are not blocking other cars or roadways while you wait.
For the latest updates on COVID-19 testing and other news, visit www.COVID19Washoe.com and follow @COVID19Washoe on Twitter.
The COVID-19-19 Regional Information Center is working together to deliver COVID-19-19 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://COVID-1919washoe.com/, our COVID-19-19 Dashboard or by following us on Twitter @COVID-1919Washoe. The entities include: City of Reno, City of Sparks, North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, Regional Transportation Commission, REMSA Health, 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.
by Washoe County | Jan 5, 2022 | Press Release
Reno, Sparks Nev. Jan. 5, 2022. Recent sampling of wastewater in Washoe County found a 10-fold increase in COVID-19 detection as well as a high proportion of the COVID-19 Omicron variant, according to researchers from the University of Nevada, Reno.
Data from the Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility, where a majority of wastewater comes through for the area, first detected the presence of the Omicron variant on Dec. 12, 2021. The first COVID-19 Omicron variant case confirmed through sequencing was reported Dec. 20, 2021.
As of Jan. 5, 2022, there have been 61 confirmed COVID-19 Omicron variant cases in Washoe County. Only a portion of positive tests are sequenced, and the total number of Omicron cases is significantly higher. Based on the wastewater sampling almost all of the current new cases should be considered to be Omicron.
Since November 29, 2021, data indicated that the SARS-CoV-2 concentrations increased, even though the daily COVID-19 clinical cases were trending down. During the Christmas holidays, the concentrations of COVID-19 increased dramatically.
Testing, analyzing and sequencing wastewater samples – which includes sewage from homes, businesses and facilities like airports, hotels and casinos – can be used as an indicator of COVID-19 up to 7 days in advance. The samples are collected from 12 sewer sites, spread all over the region, and together give comprehensive data on COVID-19 without interrupting people’s lives.
“This data is predictive of the significant increase in new cases that we are currently experiencing,” said Kevin Dick, District Health Officer in Washoe County. “We hope people will understand that COVID-19 is still impacting the community. Omicron is here in a big way and receiving a COVID-19 vaccination, and booster when eligible, is what’s going to help us get through this pandemic in the safest way possible.”
Initial funding for the wastewater research was provided by the Cities of Reno and Sparks and Washoe County through CARES Act funding.
With the spread of the Omicron variant and COVID-19 cases increasing in Washoe County, it’s recommended that you receive a COVID-19 test if you are showing signs of COVID-19 or were in close contact (6 feet or less for 15 minutes) to a positive case.
You can find testing at four area test sites seven days a week, the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center or other locations here.
The COVID-19 vaccine remains the best way to protect you and your loved ones from severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. Those aged 5 and older are eligible to receive the free vaccine. To get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster, visit http://www.vaccines.gov. 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 Health, 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.
by Washoe County | Jan 5, 2022 | En Español
Reno, Sparks, Nev. 5 de enero, 2022. Un muestreo reciente de aguas residuales en el Condado de Washoe encontró un aumento de 10 veces en la detección de COVID-19, así como también una alta proporción de la variante Ómicron del COVID-19, de acuerdo con investigadores de la Universidad de Nevada, Reno.
Los datos de Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility, por donde pasa la mayoría de las aguas residuales del área, detectaron por primera vez la presencia de la variante Ómicron el 12 de dic., 2021. El primer caso de la variante Ómicron del COVID-19 confirmado mediante secuenciación fue reportado el 20 de dic., 2021.
Desde el 5 de ene., 2022, ha habido 61 casos confirmados de la variante Ómicron del COVID-19 en el Condado de Washoe. Solo una porción de las pruebas positivas son secuenciadas, y el total de casos de Ómicron es significativamente más alto. Según el muestreo de aguas residuales casi todos los nuevos casos actuales deben ser considerados como Ómicron.
Desde el 29 de nov., 2021, los datos indican que las concentraciones de SARS-CoV-2 aumentaron, a pesar de que los casos clínicos diarios de COVID-19 tenían una tendencia baja. Durante las festividades de navidad, las concentraciones de COVID-19 aumentaron dramáticamente.
Las pruebas, el análisis y la secuenciación de muestras de aguas residuales, que incluyen aguas residuales de casas, negocios e instalaciones como aeropuertos, hoteles y casinos, pueden ser utilizadas como un indicador de COVID-19 con hasta 7 días de anticipación. Las muestras se recolectan de 12 sitios de alcantarillado, se distribuyen por toda la región y, en conjunto, brindan datos completos sobre COVID-19 sin interrumpir la vida de las personas.
“Estos datos predicen el aumento significativo de casos nuevos que estamos experimentando actualmente,” dijo Kevin Dick, Oficial del Distrito de Salud en el Condado de Washoe. “Esperamos que la gente entienda que el COVID-19 aún está impactando a la comunidad. Ómicron está aquí de una manera grande y recibir una vacuna contra el COVID-19, y un refuerzo cuando sea elegible, es lo que nos ayudará a superar esta pandemia de la manera más segura posible.”
El financiamiento inicial de la investigación de aguas residuales fue proveído por las Ciudades de Reno y Sparks y el Condado de Washoe por medio de financiamiento del CARES ACT.
Con la propagación de la variante Ómicron y los casos de COVID-19 en aumento en el Condado de Washoe, es recomendable recibir una prueba de COVID-19 si tiene síntomas de COVID-19 o estuvo en contacto cercano (6 pies o menos por menos de 15 minutos) a un caso positivo.
Puede encontrar una prueba en cuatro sitios del área los siete días de la semana, en el Centro de Eventos Livestock de Reno-Sparks u otros sitios aquí.
La vacuna contra el COVID-19 permanece la mejor manera de protegerse y a sus seres queridos de enfermedad severa, hospitalización y la muerte a causa de COVID-19. Aquellos de 5 años o mayores son elegibles para recibir una vacuna gratuita. Para recibir una vacuna contra el COVID-19 o un refuerzo visite: http://www.vaccines.gov. También puede encontrar un evento de vacunación comunitario aquí.
El Centro Regional de Información de COVID-19 está trabajando para entregar actualizaciones a la comunidad sobre COVID-19 de manera unificada. Mientras que los publicados son enviados periódicamente para eventos significativos, siempre se pueden ver los resultados diarios en nuestro sitio, https://covid19washoe.com/, nuestro Boletín de COVID-19, y en Twitter @COVID19Washoe. Las agencias incluyen: Ciudad de Reno, Ciudad de Sparks, Distrito de Protección contra Incendios de North Lake Tahoe, Tribu Pyramid Lake Paiute, Comisión de Transporte Regional, REMSA, Colonia de Indios de Reno Sparks, Departamento de Policía de Reno, Departamento de Bomberos de Reno, Distrito de Protección contra Incendios de Truckee Meadows, Universidad de Nevada, Reno, el Condado de Washoe, el Distrito de Salud del Condado de Washoe, el Distrito Escolar del Condado de Washoe y la Oficina del Alguacil del Condado de Washoe. También en el grupo están los hospitales del área, el Centro Médico del Norte de Nevada, Renown Health y Saint Mary’s.
