by Washoe County | Sep 3, 2021 | Press Release
Sept. 3, 2021. Reno/Sparks, NV – With the increasing availability of at-home COVID-19 tests, the Regional Information Center is issuing information to residents to help understand the situations when at-home tests might be useful and their limitations.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the use of at-home COVID-19 tests as they can be convenient in detecting COVID-19 quickly; however, because they are administered at home and not in a setting with medical personnel present there is no way to verify the test was done correctly and which person the test was collected from. Because of this, positive at-home test results are not counted toward the official COVID-19 case counts in Washoe County and results are not to be used in determining if someone can return to work, school or travel.
If used appropriately, with all directions followed properly, the Washoe County Health District and Centers for Disease Control & Prevention recommend that those who test positive should isolate immediately. If you tested positive and you had symptoms, isolate for 10 days since your symptoms appeared; if you don’t have symptoms, isolate for 10 days starting from the day you tested positive.
All positive cases should notify close contacts that they were exposed; that goes for anyone who was within 6 feet of you for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period.
For more about quarantining, visit the CDC website. For more information about self-testing, go here.
Drive-through COVID-19 testing is available at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center on Monday-Friday from 8:30-11:30 a.m. To schedule an appointment, go here.
Walk-ins are welcome but only when space allows. Residents are asked to come at the time of their appointment. Long lines for testing have been reported; however, lines for the vaccine are much shorter. To schedule a vaccine, go here.
Other COVID-19 testing opportunities can be found here.
Masks required when getting a COVID-19 test at Livestock Events Center
Residents who come to the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center for COVID-19 testing are required to wear a mask.
Some altercations have been reported at the testing site when persons seeking testing refuse to wear a mask. Those who refuse to wear a mask may be turned away. Masks are available free of charge to those who do not have one.
The test positivity rate in Washoe County, according to the State, is at 18.8%. Last week at the RSLEC, as many as 1 in 4 tests came back positive. Because of the high proportion of people that are testing positive, it’s highly likely that those being tested are contagious at the time of testing and wearing a mask helps prevent the spread of the virus to staff who are directing traffic and assisting those who collect specimen samples, which includes Health District staff, National Guard personnel and volunteers.
You can now make appointments for COVID-19 vaccine additional doses at Livestock Events Center
The COVID-19 vaccine scheduling platform now has the opportunity for immunocompromised residents to schedule an appointment for an additional dose. To schedule a COVID-19 vaccine, go here.
Washoe County residents who are immunocompromised can receive a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center (RSLEC) drive-through clinic or Health District Community Vaccine Events if they meet certain criteria outlined by the FDA. Those who received the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine are not eligible for the third dose, per the FDA.
Click this link for more information about eligibility.
COVID-19 Testing at Walmart can be closed due to smoke
COVID-19 testing at two area Walmarts, for which information was distributed earlier this week, can be closed on short notice if air quality is deemed unsafe for its staff.
The company conducting the testing said residents will get a notification if a test is cancelled.
Community Vaccine Events Schedule
For information on Community COVID-19 Vaccine Events, visit our website. Next week, teams will be at the Boys & Girls Club on Neil Road, Lazy 5 Regional Park and the University of Nevada, Reno, weather permitting. Schedule an appointment here.
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.
by Washoe County | Aug 31, 2021 | Press Release
Aug. 31, 2021. Reno/Sparks, NV – Two area Walmart stores are increasing access to COVID-19 testing through late September with appointments now available weekdays and weekends.
Demand for COVID-19 testing in Washoe County has increased and the additional availability will help residents get appointments sooner. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing is free to residents.
Locations:
Hours:
- Weekdays: 4-9 p.m.
- Weekends: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Additional COVID-19 testing is available at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center on Monday-Friday from 8:30-11:30 a.m. To schedule an appointment, go here.
Walk-ins are welcome but only when space allows. Residents are asked to come at the time of their appointment. Long lines for testing have been reported; however, lines for the vaccine are much shorter. To schedule a vaccine, go here.
Other COVID-19 testing opportunities can be found here.
COVID-19 vaccine third dose still available for immunocompromised residents
Washoe County residents who are immunocompromised can receive a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center (RSLEC) drive-through clinic or Health District Community Vaccine Events if they meet certain criteria outlined by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). At this time, only those immunocompromised are eligible for a third dose and residents don’t need an appointment when coming to the RSLEC on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Those who received the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine are not eligible for the third dose, per the FDA.
Click this link for more information about eligibility.
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.
by Washoe County | Aug 26, 2021 | Press Release
Aug. 26, 2021. Reno/Sparks, NV – More than 60 percent of eligible Washoe County residents are fully vaccinated and more than 500,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered, the Regional Information Center is reporting.
According to the NV Health Response dashboard, 245,699 people 12 years and older in Washoe County are fully vaccinated, which is 60.13% of the eligible population. The dashboard also states that 500,617 total doses have been administered.
“This is a tremendous accomplishment as we are among the leaders in the state for having the highest percentage of our eligible population fully vaccinated,” said Kevin Dick. District Health Officer in Washoe County. “This shows the great work from the National Guard, Health District staff, volunteers and several outstanding partners in the community to protect the community from COVID-19. We still have a long way to go, but this is very encouraging news.”
COVID-19 vaccines are widely available in the community, including at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center and at Community Vaccine Events. The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine received full Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval earlier this week.
While the 60.13% mark ranks second in the state to only Carson City (60.94%), there is still a large portion of the community that is eligible but not vaccinated and they are accounting for a strong majority of new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in our area. According to the Nevada Hospital Association, about 80% of hospitalized patients have not received the COVID-19 vaccine.
Below are some common myths and misinformation related to the vaccine that are spreading online, all of which are either unproven or have no supporting evidence. If you see misinformation on social media, please report it to that website, and do not propagate information that isn’t coming from reputable sources.
- Will a COVID-19 vaccine alter my DNA?
- The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) states that COVID-19 vaccines do not change or interact with your DNA in any way. Both mRNA and viral vector COVID-19 vaccines deliver instructions (genetic material) to our cells to start building protection against the virus that causes COVID-19. However, the material never enters the nucleus of the cell, which is where our DNA is kept. Any reference to gene therapy is false and misleading.
- More people are being hospitalized due to the COVID-19 vaccine.
- According to the Nevada Hospital Association, nearly 80% of all hospitalized patients are unvaccinated. There is no evidence that people are being hospitalized or dying from the COVID-19 vaccine.
- Hospitals should be using Ivermectin to treat COVID-19 hospitalization cases.
- Is it safe for me to get a COVID-19 vaccine if I would like to have a baby one day?
- There is currently no evidence that COVID-19 vaccination causes any problems with pregnancy, including the development of the placenta. In addition, there is no evidence that female or male fertility problems are a side effect of any vaccine, including COVID-19 vaccines. In fact, pregnant people are more likely to get severely ill with COVID-19 compared to non-pregnant people. Vaccination is important.
- Do COVID-19 vaccines contain microchips?
- COVID-19 vaccines do not contain microchips. Vaccines are developed to fight against disease and are not administered to track your movement. Vaccines work by stimulating your immune system to produce antibodies, exactly like it would if you were exposed to the disease. After getting vaccinated, you develop immunity to that disease, without having to get the disease first.
More information from the CDC regarding COVID-19 vaccine misinformation can be found here.
COVID-19 third dose still available for immunocompromised residents
Washoe County residents who are immunocompromised can receive a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center (RSLEC) drive-through clinic or Health District Community Vaccine Events if they meet certain criteria outlined by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
Those who received the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine are not eligible for the third dose, per the FDA. At this time, only those immunocompromised are eligible for a third dose and residents don’t need an appointment when coming to the RSLEC on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Click this link for more information about eligibility.
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.
by Washoe County | Aug 20, 2021 | Press Release
Aug. 20, 2021. Reno/Sparks, NV – COVID-19 disease investigators are concerned by the rise in new COVID-19 cases in Washoe County and the Washoe County Health District is reminding our community to do their part in reducing the spread of COVID-19.
Since June 1, 2021, new COVID-19 transmission and hospitalizations have seen a sharp increase:
- The 7-day moving average for new COVID-19 cases per day went from 13.7 to 211.1
- The COVID-19 test positivity rate increased from 2.9% to 19.5%
- The number of confirmed or suspected COVID-19 hospitalizations increased from 20 to 142
- The occupancy rate of Staffed hospital beds is at 91% in Washoe County
There are 270 additional COVID-19 cases today on top of the 308 reported on Thursday. The 7-day moving average is as high as it’s been since Jan. 13, 2021, and the positive case numbers represent a market increase in infection in our community.
Washoe County Health District disease investigators can no longer reach out to every new COVID-19 positive case in Washoe County and have prioritized outreach to youth, aged 5-12, because this age group will exhibit higher transmission levels and be in a more vulnerable situation. Other groups in that priority order are those aged 13-17 and 0-4, then households with multiple cases. Persons who work in school settings, including transportation, are also being prioritized to keep our schools open for in-person learning.
“Our disease investigators are simply overwhelmed,” said Kevin Dick, District Health Officer in Washoe County. “We have a dedicated staff working 7 days a week who are reaching a breaking point under very difficult circumstances to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Contact tracing is not designed to be effective when COVID-19 is widespread in the community and with this many new cases coming in. We need to the public to both help limit the spread of COVID-19 and also get vaccinated as that is the easiest and most effective thing you can do at this point to keep those around you safe.”
The Health District, per the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), is recommending the following steps for residents who test positive for COVID-19:
- Reach out to close contacts who were within 6 feet of you for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period when you were infectious
- Per the CDC, an infected person can spread COVID-19 starting 48 hours (or 2 days) before the person has any symptoms (or tests positive if non symptomatic). By letting your close contacts know they may have been exposed to COVID-19, you are helping to protect everyone.
- Stay home except to get medical care
- Rest, stay hydrated and monitor symptoms
- Separate yourself from those in your household
- More tips from the CDC can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/10Things.pdf
If you were exposed to someone under these circumstances, it’s advised that you get a COVID-19 test at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center or elsewhere in the community. Home COVD-19 tests are not as reliable; Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests are recommended.
If you are fully vaccinated for COVID-19, you do not need to quarantine UNLESS you are showing symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of sense of smell/taste, or other symptoms similar to seasonal allergies. Read more CDC guidance related to quarantine here.
Vaccines remain the best way to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 and are highly effective at preventing hospitalization and death due to the virus. Schedule an appointment or walk in to local pharmacies and grocery stores, or the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8:30-11:30 a.m. You sign up for an appointment 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.
by Washoe County | Aug 18, 2021 | Press Release
Aug. 18, 2021. Reno/Sparks, NV – Starting today, Washoe County residents who are immunocompromised can now receive a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center drive-through clinic or Health District Community Vaccine Events if they meet certain criteria outlined by the Food & Drug Administration.
Those who received the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine are not eligible for the third dose. At this time, only those immunocompromised are eligible for a third dose and this is separate from impending announcements about booster shots for those who’ve been fully vaccinated for more than eight months.
The Washoe County Health District joins CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens Pharmacy as organizations in Washoe County who received permission from the State of Nevada to begin administering additional doses, which have been shown to offer better protection from COVID-19 for those who need it most. Some doctor’s offices also have the ability to administer third doses.
Eligibility
Those eligible include, but are not limited to, people who have:
- Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
- Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
- Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
- Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
- Advanced or untreated HIV infection
- Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress the immune response
Residents must bring proof of vaccination card to the appointment. Those with questions about their vaccination card should request that information through WebIZ.
Those who meet the above conditions will only be given the third dose if it has been at least 28 days since the last dose of either Pfizer or Moderna. The third dose, which is identical to the doses that have been administered all along, must be the same vaccine type as administered for the first/second doses. The Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine was not authorized for an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine at this time.
How to get the third shot?
- Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center (RSLEC) – Those who are eligible can visit the drive-through vaccine location at 1350 N Wells Ave in Reno (enter at Wells Avenue and Sadleir Way intersection).
- No appointment is needed at this time.
- Hours of operation are Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays from 8:30-11:30 a.m.; Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- CVS Pharmacy locations in Washoe County
- Walgreen’s Pharmacy locations in Washoe County
What to bring
For third doses at the RSLEC, residents must bring their COVID-19 vaccination card. If you do not have your card, request your information through the state’s immunization portal, WebIZ. When you arrive at RSLEC, you will fill out paperwork self-attesting to your immunocompromising condition. For those looking for an appointment, there is currently not an option on our online sign up form. That feature will be added as soon as possible.
For third doses at CVS and Walgreens, please contact those organizations with questions.
Difference between ‘booster’ and ‘third dose’
This additional dose has been referred to as a “booster,” which is technically inaccurate. A booster is for non-immunocompromised people as it supports immune responses that have weakened over time. A third dose is for those who didn’t have a strong enough immune response after the first series because of their condition.
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.
by Washoe County | Aug 16, 2021 | Press Release
Aug. 16, 2021. Reno/Sparks, NV – The Regional Information Center is reporting two unfortunate COVID-19 milestones from over the weekend: 700 COVID-19-related deaths and 50,000 COVID-19 cases in Washoe County.
The total number of COVID-19-related deaths in Washoe County is at 706 and COVID-19 cases reported are 50,167.
COVID-19 transmission and hospitalizations are rising rapidly in Washoe County and residents are reminded to take mask wearing seriously as it is required per Governor Sisolak’s Directive 47 and to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Here’s a summary of data showing the high transmission:
- 15 – COVID-19-related deaths reported in August so far. In both June and July, six were reported, respectively.
- 136 – Residents hospitalized with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 according to the Nevada Hospital Association. On Aug. 1, it was 50.
- 80% – Percentage of staff hospital beds occupied reported on Aug. 15. On Aug. 1, it was 61%. On Aug. 13, it was 83%.
- 3 – 7-day moving average for new cases per day in Washoe County. On Aug. 1, it was 105.3.
- 4% – Positivity rate in Washoe County, per NV Health Response dashboard. On Aug. 1, it was 11.7%.
“The impact COVID-19 and the Delta variant are having on everyone in Washoe County, in particular hospitals, is reaching a breaking point,” said Kevin Dick, District Health Officer in Washoe County. “Our healthcare system and public health systems are facing the same labor shortages as retail and service industry and likely cannot support another surge at the same level we faced in the winter.
“If you are still waiting for more time to pass by to get the COVID-19 vaccine or refuse to wear a mask in public, be aware of the inherent risks of failing to do so. Vaccines are over 90% effective at keeping you out of the hospital or dying from COVID-19, and masks block respiratory droplets to reduce disease transmission. Please do your part.”
COVID-19 vaccines are widely available in Washoe County at local pharmacies and grocery stores, as well as at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays from 8:30-11:30 a.m. You can walk in or sign up for an appointment here. Vaccines cannot be administered if you are sick or have COVID-19 currently.
Several Community Vaccine Sites are planned this week, including the Boys & Girls Club locations on Neil Road, in Lemmon Valley and on 9th Street, and at the Joe Crowley Student Union at the University of Nevada – see the list here.
Other important reminders are:
- Wear a mask when in public indoor settings and crowded outdoor settings
- Stay home when you don’t feel well
- Socially distance
- Check the Truckee Meadows COVID Risk Meter on our COVID-19 Dashboard (Look for “Risk Meter” tab) if you’re wondering how the risk level is increasing or decreasing. The meter is currently at “Very High”
The COVID-19 dashboard has more information regarding COVID-19 in Washoe County. Please note that only 701 COVID-19-related deaths are reported on the dashboard today but we received notification of five more (706 total) that will show up tomorrow on the dashboard. Three of the 706 deaths were vaccinated.
COVID-19 third dose update
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommends that people whose immune systems are compromised moderately to severely should receive an additional dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine after the initial 2 doses.
The third dose will be available this week at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center. More information will be distributed once details are finalized. Check COVID19Washoe.com and our COVID19Washoe Twitter page for updated information as it is released.
Some refer to this dose as a “booster,” which is technically incorrect. An additional dose is given to people who may not have had a strong enough immune response after receiving the initial vaccine series. A booster dose is a supplemental dose given to groups whose immune response has weakened over time. No booster doses are recommended at this time. This may change as more information becomes available.
The additional dose would need to be administered 28 days after a two-dose regimen of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. Those who have received the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine are not eligible for an additional dose at this time, per the CDC and Food & Drug Administration.
Updates to disease investigations in Washoe County
Due to the surge in COVID-19 cases, the Washoe County Health District is prioritizing disease investigation and contact tracing for pediatric cases aged 5-11 due to the fact they are ineligible to be vaccinated and the rise in cases at local schools.
Those who have recently been diagnosed with COVID-19 are asked to reach out on their own to close contacts who’ve been closer than 6 feet for at least 15 minutes in a 24-hour timeframe to notify them. CDC guidance says those who are fully vaccinated (two weeks since second Pfizer/Moderna shot or two weeks since one-dose Janssen shot) do not need to quarantine unless they are showing symptoms. Unvaccinated individuals must quarantine per CDC guidance after being exposed to someone with COVID-19.
Those who are confirmed to have COVID-19 will be sent a text notifying them that a Washoe County disease investigator will contact them by phone soon. Disease investigators will also leave a voicemail with a call-back number if you are unavailable. In order to reduce the spread of COVID-19, it’s imperative that you cooperate with disease investigators and ensure that your voice mailbox is not full.
COVID-19 Testing at Reno-Sparks Livestock Event Center and results
COVID-19 testing at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center (RSLEC) has expanded to five days a week, Monday-Friday, from 8:30-11:30 a.m. To sign up, go here (en Espanol). Previously, testing was done Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays at RSLEC, but due to increased demand the availability increased. Vaccines remain available only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and you can schedule an appointment here (en Espanol).
COVID-19 test samples are sent to the Nevada State Public Health Laboratory and results usually take between 24-36 hours. The Washoe County COVID-19 Incident Management Team is working with area labs to reduce the amount of time it takes to get a test result back.
Pregnancy, fertility and COVID-19
According to the CDC, COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for all people 12 years and older, including people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant now, or might become pregnant in the future. More information can be found here.
There is currently no evidence that any vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, cause fertility problems in women or men.
For more information on COVID-19 in Washoe County, visit the Regional Information Center website.
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
