1 additional COVID-19-related death, 38 new cases and 72 recoveries reported

May 19, 2021. Reno/Sparks, NV – The Regional Information Center is reporting one additional COVID-19-related death in Washoe County: a female in her 30s with an underlying health condition. There have been 678 COVID-19-related deaths in Washoe County since March 2020.

Additionally, we’re reporting 38 new COVID-19 cases and 72 recoveries.

If you haven’t received a COVID-19 vaccine, it’s easy to do. Those 12 years and older can schedule an appointment here. Appointments are not required to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Please note that registering for a vaccine appointment will take less time at check-in.

The vaccine and COVID-19 testing site moved recently to the southwest corner of the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center. The new entrance for both vaccines and testing is on Wells Avenue and Sadlier Way (see map here).

• Total COVID-19 cases in Washoe County: 45,793 (+38 from 5/18)
• Deaths: 678 (+1)
• Recovered: 43,381 (+72)
• Active cases: 1,734 (+8)
• Hospitalized with COVID-19: 23 (-3)
• Positivity rate: 4.6%
• Vaccines administered in Washoe County: 390,578 (+2,482 from 5/18; 53.70% of Washoe County population 12+ have had vaccination initiated)
• Washoe County residents fully vaccinated: 183,564 (+1,534 from 5/18; 44.93% of Washoe County population 12+)
• Vaccine doses administered by Washoe County Health District: 159,555 (+430 from 5/18; 75,697 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: 449,320 (+771 since 5/18)

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:

• 64 percent of all licensed hospital beds are occupied (+3% since 5/18)
• 67 percent staffed hospital beds are occupied (+4%)
• 41 percent of all Intensive Care Unit beds are occupied (+2%)

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

Mask guidance from CDC

Washoe County and the Local Authority plan will follow Governor Sisolak’s Directive 45 and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance regarding masks for vaccinated individuals.  Anyone who has not been vaccinated must still wear a mask as required by the CDC’s guidance for unvaccinated individuals and we encourage anyone who has not received a vaccine to do so as soon as possible. Additionally we ask our residents and visitors to respect businesses and other organizations that choose to require masks regardless of vaccination status at their establishments.

For businesses, we suggest looking at information sent out by the Department of Business and Industry regarding masks – see Frequently Asked Questions 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. 

1 additional COVID-19-related death, 21 new COVID-19 cases reported

Washoe County no longer flagged for elevated disease transmission

May 18, 2021. Reno/Sparks, NV – The Regional Information Center is reporting one additional COVID-19-related death in Washoe County. The deceased is a female in her 80s with an underlying health condition, marking the 677th COVID-19-related death in Washoe County since March 2020.

Additionally, we’re reporting 21 new COVID-19 cases and 78 recoveries.

According to the State’s COVID-19 Dashboard, Washoe County is no longer flagged for elevated disease transmission. This is the first time since the COVID-19 County Tracker was announced that Washoe County hasn’t been flagged.

The case rate per 100,000 people was one of the three criteria that Washoe had never met; on Monday, the cases per 100,000 dropped to 194, which is below the threshold of 200 to be considered elevated.

Vaccine site back up and running at Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center

The new configuration of the Washoe County COVID-19 vaccine site at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center is finished after being closed Saturday-Monday. About 300 residents were expected to receive the COVID-19 vaccine Tuesday afternoon. The site moved from the east side of the Livestock Events Center to the southwest side of the facility. The new entrance to the vaccine site is on Wells Avenue and Sadlier Way (see map here).

If you haven’t received a COVID-19 vaccine, it’s easy to do. Those 12 years and older can schedule 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: 45,775 (+21 from 5/17)
• Deaths: 677 (+1)
• Recovered: 43,372 (+78)
• Active cases: 1,726 (-6)
• Hospitalized with COVID-19: 26 (-1)
• Positivity rate: 4.7%
• Vaccines administered in Washoe County: 388,096 (+1,393 from 5/17; 53.33% of Washoe County population 12+ have had vaccination initiated)
• Washoe County residents fully vaccinated: 182,030 (+848 from 5/17; 44.55% of Washoe County population 12+)
• Vaccine doses administered by Washoe County Health District: 159,125 (+2,365 from 5/14; 75,271 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: 448,549 (+437 since 5/17)

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:

• 61 percent of all licensed hospital beds are occupied (+3% since 5/17)
• 63 percent staffed hospital beds are occupied (+2%)
• 39 percent of all Intensive Care Unit beds are occupied (-1%)

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.

Mask guidance from CDC

Washoe County and the Local Authority plan will follow Governor Sisolak’s Directive 45 and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance regarding masks for vaccinated individuals.  Anyone who has not been vaccinated must still wear a mask as required by the CDC’s guidance for unvaccinated individuals and we encourage anyone who has not received a vaccine to do so as soon as possible. Additionally we ask our residents and visitors to respect businesses and other organizations that choose to require masks regardless of vaccination status at their establishments.

For businesses, we suggest looking at information sent out by the Department of Business and Industry regarding masks – see Frequently Asked Questions here.

Update on percentage of fully vaccinated numbers

Nevada’s COVID-19 vaccination dashboard has been updated to reflect vaccination of those 12 years and older instead of 16 years and older. That figure has been updated below. Learn more.

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. 

64 additional COVID-19 cases, 142 recoveries reported over the last 3 days

May 17, 2021. Reno/Sparks, NV – The Regional Information Center is reporting no COVID-19-related deaths, 64 additional COVID-19 cases and 142 recoveries in Washoe County over the last three days. The breakdown:

• Saturday, May 15, 2021: 27 new cases, 39 recoveries
• Sunday, May 16, 2021: 23 new cases, 48 recoveries
• Monday, May 17, 2021: 14 new cases, 55 recoveries

If you haven’t received a COVID-19 vaccine, it’s easy to do. Those 12 years and older can schedule 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.

Mask guidance from CDC

Washoe County and the Local Authority plan will follow Governor Sisolak’s Directive 45 and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance regarding masks for vaccinated individuals.  Anyone who has not been vaccinated must still wear a mask as required by the CDC’s guidance for unvaccinated individuals and we encourage anyone who has not received a vaccine to do so as soon as possible. Additionally we ask our residents and visitors to respect businesses and other organizations that choose to require masks regardless of vaccination status at their establishments.

For businesses, we suggest looking at information sent out by the Department of Business and Industry regarding masks – see Frequently Asked Questions here.

Update on percentage of fully vaccinated numbers

Nevada’s COVID-19 vaccination dashboard has been updated to reflect vaccination of those 12 years and older instead of 16 years and older. That figure has been updated below. Learn more.

• Total COVID-19 cases in Washoe County: 45,768 (+64 from 5/14)
• Deaths: 676 (+0)
• Recovered: 43,360 (+142)
• Active cases: 1,732 (-31)
• Hospitalized with COVID-19: 27 (+2 since 5/14)
• Positivity rate: 4.8%
• Vaccines administered in Washoe County: 386,703 (+8,990 from 5/14; 53.16% of Washoe County population 12+ have had vaccination initiated)
• Washoe County residents fully vaccinated: 181,182 (+6,920 from 5/14; 44.34% of Washoe County population 12+)
• Vaccine doses administered by Washoe County Health District: 159,125 (+2,365 from 5/14; 75,271 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: 448,112 (+2,419 since 5/14)

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 (-6% since 5/14)
• 61 percent staffed hospital beds are occupied (-6%)
• 40 percent of all Intensive Care Unit beds are occupied (-8%)

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.

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. 

39 additional COVID-19 cases, 63 recoveries reported

Incident Management Team releases statement regarding CDC mask guidance

May 14, 2021. Reno/Sparks, NV – The Regional Information Center is reporting 39 additional COVID-19 cases in Washoe County with 63 recoveries. The reported COVID-19 case, recovery and death information can change retroactively based on updated information that we receive; therefore, sometimes the active case count will not equally reflect the change in cases/recoveries.

If you haven’t received a COVID-19 vaccine, it’s easy to do. Those 12 years and older can schedule 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.

Incident Management Team statement regarding mask guidance from CDC

Washoe County and the Local Authority plan will follow Governor Sisolak’s Directive 45 and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance regarding masks for vaccinated individuals.  Anyone who has not been vaccinated must still wear a mask as required by the CDC’s guidance for unvaccinated individuals and we encourage anyone who has not received a vaccine to do so as soon as possible.

In addition to other limitations described in the Governor’s Directive 45 and the CDC’s guidance, children under 12 and all travelers, including those who are vaccinated are required to wear a mask on all planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation and in transportation hubs such as airports and stations.

Additionally, we ask our residents and visitors to respect businesses and other organizations that choose to require masks at their establishments.

• Total COVID-19 cases in Washoe County: 45,712 (+39 from 5/13)
• Deaths: 676 (+0)
• Recovered: 43,273 (+63)
• Active cases: 1,763 (+9)
• Hospitalized with COVID-19: 25 (+0 since 5/13)
• Positivity rate: 4.8%
• Vaccines administered in Washoe County: 377,713 (+6,176 from 5/13; 56.14% of Washoe County population 16+ have had vaccination initiated)
• Washoe County residents fully vaccinated: 174,262 (+4,699 from 5/13; 45.52% of Washoe County population 16+)
• Vaccine doses administered by Washoe County Health District: 156,760 (+1,467 from 5/13; 73,564 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: 445,693 (+1,204 since 5/13)

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:

• 64 percent of all licensed hospital beds are occupied (+0% since 5/13)
• 67 percent staffed hospital beds are occupied (+0%)
• 48 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.

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. 

2 additional COVID-19-related deaths, 23 new cases, 107 recoveries reported

CDC updates mask guidance for those who are fully vaccinated

May 13, 2021. Reno/Sparks, NV – The Regional Information Center is reporting two additional COVID-19-related deaths in Washoe County, marking 676 COVID-19-related deaths in Washoe County since March 2020. The deceased are a female in her 50s and a female in her 20s; both had an underlying health condition.

Additionally, we’re reporting 23 new COVID-19 cases and 107 recoveries. The reported COVID-19 case, recovery and death information can change retroactively based on updated information that we receive; therefore, sometimes the active case count will not equally reflect the change in cases/recoveries.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. Read more here.

If you haven’t received a COVID-19 vaccine, it’s easy to do. Those 12 years and older can schedule 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.

The Washoe County Health District will be at Greater Nevada Field tonight to offer the COVID-19 vaccine. The Pfizer and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccines will be available. Read more.

• Total COVID-19 cases in Washoe County: 45,675 (+23 from 5/11)
• Deaths: 676 (+2)
• Recovered: 43,245 (+107)
• Active cases: 1,754 (-22)
• Hospitalized with COVID-19: 25 (-4 since 5/11)
• Positivity rate: 5%
• Vaccines administered in Washoe County: 371,537 (+2,158 from 5/12; 55.70% of Washoe County population 16+ have had vaccination initiated)
• Washoe County residents fully vaccinated: 169,563 (+1,741 from 5/12; 44.29% of Washoe County population 16+)
• Vaccine doses administered by Washoe County Health District: 155,293 (+229 from 5/12; 72,772 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: 444,489 (+721 since 5/12)

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:

• 64 percent of all licensed hospital beds are occupied (+6% since 5/11)
• 67 percent staffed hospital beds are occupied (+6%)
• 48 percent of all Intensive Care Unit beds are occupied (+6%)

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.

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. 

Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine available to those aged 12 years and older starting today

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to get the vaccine

May 13, 2021. Reno/Sparks, NV – The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is now available to those 12 years and older in Washoe County after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the State of Nevada approved to expand eligibility on Wednesday.

Starting today, those aged 12 years and older can receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center drive through Point of Dispensing (POD). For patients aged 12-17, a parent or guardian must be present.

Schedule an appointment by going to this link or call 775-328-2427. Appointments are not required but they are recommended to speed up the process to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Only the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is approved for ages 12-17.

“We strongly recommend that adolescents aged 12-17 get the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible,” said Kevin Dick, District Health Officer in Washoe County. “While the risk for severe illness is lower among youth, long term impacts of infection are not well understood and they can still transmit the virus to others.”

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) endorsed the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for those aged 12-15 on Wednesday, which the CDC adopted. The CDC, FDA and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup now recommend that the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine be used among this population.

According to the CDC, though most children with COVID-19 have mild or no symptoms, some children can get severely ill and require hospitalization. There have also been rare, tragic cases of children dying from COVID-19 and its effects, including multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, or MIS-C.

There have been seven cases of MIS-C reported in Washoe County and all required hospitalization.

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.