Aug. 9, 2021. Reno/Sparks, NV – As the new school year begins and the cooler fall season around the corner, the Regional Information Center is reminding residents and business owners that, per Gov. Sisolak’s Directive 47, Washoe County has indoor masking requirements to help our local businesses thrive, and businesses are to require employees and customers to wear masks indoors.

COVID-19 cases in Washoe County are surging, largely due to the Delta variant:

• The 7-day moving average for new COVID-19 cases is at 146.3 (up from 22.7 on July 9)
• The test positivity rate in Washoe County is at 15.4% (up from 5% on July 11)
• The Truckee Meadows COVID Risk Meter is at “High”, which indicates elevated risk of community spread
• According to the Nevada Hospital Association, there are 97 patients hospitalized who are confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19 (up from 25 on July 9)

The  Washoe County’s COVID-19 Mitigation Plan states that restrictions may be reinstated when the community hits certain risk benchmarks, such as if the Risk Meter reaches “Very High” and if cases per 100,000 over a 30-day period reach 625 (currently at 545 according to NV Health Response dashboard).

Residents can take several steps to slow the spread and help return the community to the low-risk state it was in earlier this summer:

• Stay home when ill
• Get vaccinated
• Wear a mask when indoors at businesses and public places
• Practice basic hygiene by washing hands frequently
• Keep a safe distance from others in crowded areas

The COVID-19 vaccine is paramount in reducing the risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While the vaccine is not 100 percent effective, it is highly effective and has been proven to lessen the severity of symptoms if you do get 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, and Fridays from 8:30-11:30 a.m. You can walk in or sign up for an appointment here.

Those with underlying health conditions are especially encouraged to find a vaccine clinic convenient to them and begin the process of getting fully vaccinated. It is essential that those who receive a two-dose vaccine like the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines receive both doses to ensure the maximum protection possible. If you’ve had COVID-19 in the past, that does not mean you won’t get the disease again. A study showed that those who were previously infected but did not get vaccinated were 2.34 times more likely to be reinfected with COVID-19 compared with those who were previously infected and did get fully vaccinated.

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.

Health District Hotline:
775.328.2427

COVID-19 Delta variant update in Washoe County: 133 additional cases, 4 deaths total

Vaccinations continue to be the best way to prevent COVID-19 and the Delta variant

Correction:  There are no new deaths to report. 

August 6, 2021. Reno/Sparks, NV – There have been 694 COVID-19-related deaths in Washoe County since March 2020 – 4 of those cases were confirmed to have the Delta variant through sequencing performed by the Nevada State Public Health laboratory, and none of the 4 had received a COVID-19 vaccine.

Additionally, we’re reporting 133 additional COVID-19 Delta variant cases for a total of 435 in Washoe County. Of the 435 Delta cases, 35 were hospitalized and 8 were in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Of the 35 hospitalized cases, only 5 received a COVID-19 vaccine.

The COVID-19 vaccine remains the best way to avoid contracting COVID-19 and any variants, and it is also proven to reduce the risk of hospitalization and death.

Today we are reporting 222 new daily cases of COVID -19.  The current 7- day average is 131 new COVID-19 cases a day in Washoe County.  These levels exceed the number of cases at the peak of the July 2020 surge (98.4) and are similar to levels experienced last October 2020 as we were entering the November surge (7 day average of 133 on October 20, 2020, with a peak of 481.4 7 day average of new cases per day on November 26, 2020).  As recently as July 1 the 7-day average was only 22.9.  Hospitalizations for COVID-19 have doubled over the last week.

The regional risk meter is now at orange, high risk, and is moving toward red, very high risk.  The CDC designates Washoe County as high risk for COVID-19 transmission.  Residents are urged to take precautions to avoid being infected with COVID-19.

With the Delta variant circulating, which is twice as contagious as the COVID-19 virus was last July, and nearly half of our population still not fully vaccinated, residents are vulnerable to a rapid increase in cases and hospitalizations as we have seen is currently occurring in Clark County. See more COVID-19 information on our dashboard. If you are showing symptoms of COVID-19, you need to stay home, isolate from others, and get a COVID-19 test with the Health District.

The vaccines have proven to be effective against the Delta variant and they are the solution for preventing transmission, hospitalizations, and deaths from COVID-19. For those who plan to receive a test, an appointment can be made in order to minimize wait time.

The COVID-19 vaccine is being offered every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended. Sign up for an appointment here.

Local pharmacies and grocery stores are offering the vaccine as well. See a full list here.

Residents 12 and older are urged to get vaccinated as soon as possible, and to consider information from reliable sources when making the decision to be vaccinated. Vaccinations are readily available and provided free of charge regardless of immigration status.

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.

State mask mandate to go into effect Friday; Delta variant cases top 300 in Washoe County

CDC identifies Washoe County with high COVID-19 transmission, masks required for indoor public settings

July 28, 2021. Reno/Sparks, NV – The Regional Information Center is providing a COVID-19 update after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated mask recommendations for vaccinated persons on Tuesday, a recommendation that led to a state mask mandate  that goes into effect on Friday, July 30 at 12:01 a.m.

The CDC lists Washoe County under the “High Transmission” range on its COVID-19 Data Tracker. The CDC said mask requirements for those vaccinated and unvaccinated at indoor public places is in place counties with “substantial” or “high” transmission.

“The COVID-19 vaccine has been proven effective against all variants and it’s highly recommended that those who have yet to receive the vaccine do so as soon as possible,” said Kevin Dick, District Health Officer in Washoe County. “The rise in transmission in Washoe County is attributed solely to those who have yet to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.”

COVID-19 cases in Washoe County have been surging. Since the beginning of the month the daily new cases have tripled to 68.9. On July 1, the 7-day moving average for new COVID-19 cases per day was at only 22.9.

Hospitalizations in Washoe County remain stable as 63% of staffed hospital beds are occupied and 29 patients confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19 are hospitalized.

Under the CDC criteria counties are designated as high transmission of COVID-19 if the test positivity rate is 10% or above, or if the new cases per 100,000 population over 7-days is equal to 100 or greater.  Substantial transmission is test positivity rate of 8 – 9.9%, or if the new cases per 100,000 population over 7-days is between 50 and 99.9.  Washoe County has a test positivity rate of 13.34 percent and has 66.17 cases per 100,000 population over a 7-day period.  On Monday, July 26 the regional risk meter also rose to “high.”

Delta cases on the rise

COVID-19 cases of the Delta variant are increasing in Washoe County. We’re reporting a total of 301 cases which have been genetically sequenced and identified as the Delta variant.  This is 83 more since the last report.

• 4 – Total COVID-19 Delta variant-related deaths reported in Washoe County since July 1; all four cases had not received the COVID-19 vaccine. No additional deaths since last report.
• 301 – Total COVID-19 Delta variant cases reported in Washoe County
• 26 –Hospitalized Delta variant cases; 22 of those cases were not vaccinated and 7 were in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
• 100 – Active Delta cases that have yet to recover

Those who receive the COVID-19 vaccine are less likely to contract, be hospitalized or die from COVID-19 and the Delta variant.

The Washoe County Health District has several Community COVID-19 vaccine sites in Washoe County scheduled for the next two weeks.

Appointments are available to receive the vaccine at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center and for each of the community sites going to our website or calling 775-328-2427. Homebound vaccines are available as nurses can come to your house to administer the vaccine – schedule an appointment by calling 775-328-2427.

Local pharmacies and grocery stores are offering the vaccine as well. See a full list here.

If you are showing symptoms of COVID-19, you need to stay home, isolate from others, and get a COVID-19 test, preferably with the Health District.

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. 

More Community COVID-19 vaccination sites planned the next 2 weeks

COVID-19 cases on the rise, best form of protection is the vaccine

July 26, 2021. Reno/Sparks, NV – The Washoe County Health District (WCHD) and community partners have several Community COVID-19 vaccine sites in Washoe County scheduled for the next two weeks.

Appointments are available, but not required, for each of the below sites by going to our website or calling 775-328-2427.

Homebound vaccines are available as nurses can come to your house to administer the vaccine – schedule an appointment by calling 775-328-2427.

• Tuesday, July 27, 2021
  • Sparks Methodist Church, 1231 Pyramid Way, Sparks, Noon-2 p.m.
  • Boys and Girls Club, 3905 Neil Rd., 4-6 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 28, 2021
  • Boys & Girls Club, 325 W. Patrician Dr., Reno, 4-6 p.m.
  • Lazy 5 Regional Park, 7100 Pyramid Way, Sparks, 5-7 p.m.
• Thursday, July 29, 2021
  • Boys and Girls Club, 2680 E. 9th St., Reno, 7-9 a.m.
  • Great Basin Brewing Company, 846 Victorian Ave., Sparks, 3:30-7:30 p.m.
• Friday, July 30, 2021
  • Food Truck Friday at Idlewild Park, 2055 Idlewild Dr, Reno, 4-7 p.m.
• Saturday, July 31, 2021
  • Washoe County Health District, 1001 E. 9th St., Building B lobby, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021
  • Virginia Lake near playground, Lakeside Drive & Eastshore Drive, Reno, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021
  • Lazy 5 Regional Park, 7100 Pyramid Way, Sparks, 5-7 p.m.
• Friday, Aug. 6, 2021
  • Food Truck Friday at Idlewild Park, 2055 Idlewild Dr, Reno, 4-7 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021
  • Washoe County Health District, 1001 E. 9th St., Building B lobby, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Please follow our Twitter and Facebook pages for any updates to these vaccine events

With the rise of recent Delta variant cases, Washoe County Health District and state health officials are urging those who are unvaccinated to consider receiving the vaccine in order to protect yourself, and those closest to you, from the newest variant. The COVID-19 vaccine is proven to reduce the chances of contracting, or being hospitalized from, COVID-19 and the Delta variant. The Delta variant is the most dominant in Washoe County and most people hospitalized with the Delta Variant are unvaccinated.

The vaccine is also readily available for your convenience at the Reno-Sparks Livestock and Events Center (sign up for an appointment here) or at your local drug store. Children between the ages of 12-17 must have a parent with them when receiving the vaccine.

Next drawing for Vax Nevada Days is set for July 29

More than $5 million in cash and prizes will be given to Nevada residents who receive the COVID-19 vaccine before Aug. 15. For more information regarding rules and prizes please visit https://www.vaxnevadadays.org.

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 Delta variant-related death reported – unvaccinated male, 30s, no underlying health conditions

100 new COVID-19 Delta variant cases reported since last week; 218 total

July 22, 2021. Reno/Sparks, NV – The COVID-19 Regional Information Center is reporting an additional COVID-19 Delta variant-related death in Washoe County. The deceased is a male in his 30s with no underlying health conditions and had not been vaccinated for COVID-19.

Below are some updated COVID-19 Delta variant numbers in Washoe County:

• 4 – Total COVID-19 Delta variant-related deaths reported in Washoe County since July 1; all four cases had not received the COVID-19 vaccine.
• 218 – Total COVID-19 Delta variant cases have been reported in Washoe County, which is 100 additional since the report last week.
• 19 –Hospitalized Delta variant cases; 17 of those cases were not vaccinated.
• 66 – Active Delta cases have yet to recover.

“Those who have not received a COVID-19 vaccine have the greatest risk of contracting, being hospitalized and dying from COVID-19,” said Kevin Dick, District Health Officer in Washoe County. “Those who are choosing not to get vaccinated are contributing greatly to the increase in cases. The State of Nevada and Clark County have both reinstated COVID-19 mitigation measures to curb this recent surge and we might be forced to consider similar actions if these increases continue.”  

According to the Nevada Health Response COVID-19 dashboard, the test positivity rate in Washoe County is a 7.7%, which has more than doubled in the last 30 days. The 7-day moving average for new cases per day is at 45, which has doubled in the last 14 days.

According to the Nevada Hospital Association (NHA), there are 39 hospitalized patients in Washoe County who are confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19, which is up from 22 on June 10. NHA said 64% of licensed hospital beds are occupied in Washoe County.

The state dashboard reports that 56.51% of Washoe County residents 12 years and older are fully vaccinated and 48.17% of all Washoe County residents are fully vaccinated. As a reminder, fully vaccinated persons no longer have to quarantine if exposed to an infectious case and remain symptom free. Those who are unvaccinated must quarantine if exposed.

The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective for protection against COVID-19; however, vaccinated individuals should be aware that no vaccine is 100% effective. COVID-19 transmission is occurring at substantial levels in Washoe County and there remains a risk that vaccinated individuals can be infected if they are exposed to others with the disease. While the chances of being infected are much lower than if an individual is not vaccinated, the risk of infection is multiplied if individuals have multiple exposures through their activities. The risk of hospitalization or death for vaccinated individuals is extremely low even if they do become infected. 

Residents 12 and older are urged to get vaccinated as soon as possible, and to consider information from reliable sources when making the decision to be vaccinated. Vaccinations are readily available and provided free of charge regardless of insurance or immigration status.     

The COVID-19 vaccine is being offered every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended. Sign up for an appointment here.

Local pharmacies and grocery stores are offering the vaccine as well. See a full list here.

If you are showing symptoms of COVID-19, you need to stay home, isolate from others, and get a COVID-19 test with the Health District.

There are several community COVID-19 vaccine events this week that can be found here, including Friday at Idlewild and Rock parks and Saturday at Northern Nevada PRIDE at Wingfield Park.

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.

Several Community COVID-19 vaccination sites planned for this week

Rise of Delta variant increases need for vaccinations

July 20, 2021. Reno/Sparks, NV – This week, Washoe County Health District (WCHD) and community partners will be holding several Community COVID-19 vaccine sites throughout Washoe County. The Community Points of Dispensing (PODs) are scheduled to take place at Lazy 5 Regional Park, two Boys and Girls Club locations and Food Truck Friday at Idlewild Park. Walk ins are welcome and appointments can be made at https://vax4nv.nv.gov/patient/s/.

Immunize Nevada is also hosting a COVID-19 vaccine and testing clinic on Friday at Rock Park in Sparks and at Saturday’s Northern Nevada Pride event at Wingfield Park.

• Wednesday, July 21, 2021 – WCHD
  • Boys & Girls Club, 1090 Bresson Ave, Reno, 4-6 p.m.,
  • Lazy 5 Regional Park, 5-7 p.m.
• Thursday, July 22, 2021 – WCHD
  • Boys & Girls Club, 1300 Foster Dr., Reno, 7-9 a.m.
• Friday, July 23, 2021 – WCHD
  • Food Truck Friday at Idlewild Park, 2055 Idlewild Dr, Reno, 4-7 p.m.
  • Immunize Nevada in partnership with SilverSummit Health Plan, Rock Park, 1515 S. Rock Blvd, Sparks, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Saturday, July 24, 2021 – Immunize Nevada
  • Immunize Nevada will be providing COVID-19 vaccines and testing at Northern Nevada PRIDE at Wingfield Park, 2 S. Arlington, Reno, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. More details here.

With the rise of recent Delta variant cases, Washoe County Health District and state health officials are urging those who are unvaccinated to consider receiving the vaccine in order to protect yourself, and those closest to you, from the newest variant. The COVID-19 vaccine is proven to reduce the chances of contracting, or being hospitalized from, COVID-19 and the Delta variant. The Delta variant is the most dominant in Washoe County and most people hospitalized with the Delta Variant are unvaccinated.

PODs Food Truck Friday and Lazy 5 park will be administering the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) and Pfizer vaccines. The Boys and Girls club POD will be administering the Pfizer vaccine. The Janssen vaccine requires just one dose while the Pfizer vaccine requires a second dose three weeks later. Washoe County Health District will return to the Boys and Girls Club site three weeks from the date of administering on Aug. 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19 at various Boys and Girls clubs around Washoe County. Learn more here.

The vaccine is also readily available for your convenience at the Reno-Sparks Livestock and Events Center (sign up for an appointment here) or at your local drug store. Children between the ages of 12-17 must have a parent with them when receiving the vaccine.

Next drawing for Vax Nevada Days is set for July 22

More than $5 million in cash and prizes will be given to Nevada residents who receive the COVID-19 vaccine before Aug. 15. For more information regarding rules and prizes please visit https://www.vaxnevadadays.org.

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.