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Health District has no updated mask recommendation in Washoe County

by | Jul 16, 2021 | Press Release

Health District has no updated mask recommendation in Washoe County

WCHD supports SNHD’s decision to recommend masks for Clark County residents in public settings

July 16, 2021. Reno/Sparks, NV – The COVID-19 Regional Information Center is providing a statement from the Washoe County Health District in regard to mask wearing in Washoe County. The Southern Nevada Health District announced today that masks are recommended for unvaccinated and vaccinated people in Clark County when in crowded indoor spaces. 

There is no updated mask recommendation in Washoe County at this time. Per the Governor’s Directive and Centers for Disease Control & Prevention guidance, if you are not fully vaccinated and aged 2 or older, you should wear a mask in indoor public places, and in general, you do not need to wear a mask in outdoor settings.

“COVID-19 case rates and hospitalizations in Washoe County are much lower per capita than Clark County, so the Washoe County Health District does not have plans for such an announcement at this time,” said Kevin Dick, District Health Officer in Washoe County. “Washoe County, however, has seen a significant increase in the number of COVID-19 cases occurring over the past week and rising test positivity, so it is certainly not a bad idea for people who are vaccinated to wear masks for further protection from the spread of COVID-19.

Dick added, “People who are unvaccinated are required to wear masks when they are indoors in public settings under the Governor’s Directive, but this does not appear to be occurring. Disobeying the requirement for unvaccinated individuals to wear masks unnecessarily endangers everyone in our community. People should get vaccinated or continue to wear masks.”

The 7-day moving average for new COVID-19 cases in Washoe County is at 34.5. That average is expected to rise – three of the last six days 40 or more daily COVID-19 cases have been reported.

According to the Nevada Hospital Association, 64% of licensed hospital beds in Washoe County are occupied. Thirty-four patients who are hospitalized in Washoe County are confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19.  Comparatively, in Clark County, 96% of licensed beds are occupied and 770 patients are confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19.

The Washoe County test positivity rate, according to the Nevada Health Response Dashboard, is at 5.9% after being at 2.9% on June 13.

The Health District recommends that all residents get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible. The vaccines have been proven to be effective against the Delta variant and they are the solution for preventing transmission, hospitalizations, and deaths from COVID-19.

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.  Vaccinations are free and available to everyone 12 and older regardless of immigration status.

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

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, that population is 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 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.

COVID-19 Delta variant update in Washoe County: 53 additional cases, 1 death reported

by | Jul 14, 2021 | Press Release

COVID-19 Delta variant update in Washoe County: 53 additional cases, 1 death reported

Total COVID-19 Delta variant-related deaths up to 3, all were unvaccinated

July 14, 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 female in her 50s with an underlying health condition.

There have been 688 COVID-19-related deaths in Washoe County since March 2020 – three of those cases were confirmed to have the Delta variant through sequencing performed by the Nevada State Public Health laboratory, and none of the three had received a COVID-19 vaccine.

Additionally, we’re reporting 53 additional COVID-19 Delta variant cases for a total of 118 in Washoe County. Of the 118 Delta cases, 11 were hospitalized and four were in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Of the 11 hospitalized cases, only one received a COVID-19 vaccine. Approximately 40 Delta cases are considered “active” and have yet to recover.

“The Delta variant is currently the dominant strain in Washoe County and the state of Nevada,” said Dr. Nancy Diao, Division Director for Epidemiology and Public Health Preparedness for the Washoe County Health District. “Our disease investigators are reporting back that cases with the Delta variant are experiencing more severe symptoms lasting more than 10 days. All but one hospitalized case, and all fatal cases, infected with the Delta variant were not vaccinated. It’s extremely important that residents receive a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible.”

Today we are reporting 52 new daily cases of COVID-19 in Washoe County. This is the highest number of new cases reported since May 6. The 7-day average of new cases is now 33.3 which is a 65% increase in new cases in only a week.

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 been proven to be effective against the Delta variant and they are the solution for preventing transmission, hospitalizations, and deaths from COVID-19.

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 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.

There are several community COVID-19 vaccine events this week that can be found here, including today at Sun Valley Community Center from noon-5 p.m., Sparks Middle School from 1-4 p.m. and at Lazy 5 Regional Park from 5-7:30 p.m.

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.

 

First & second doses of COVID-19 vaccine available at three WCSD schools this week

by | Jul 12, 2021 | Press Release

First & second doses of COVID-19 vaccine available at three WCSD schools this week

Other vaccine events at Bower’s Mansion, Sun Valley Community Center & Little Flower Church

July 12, 2021. Reno/Sparks, NV – The Washoe County Health District, Immunize Nevada and other community partners are hosting several COVID-19 vaccine events this week.

The Health District is returning to North Valleys High School, Sparks Middle School and Wooster High this week for first and second doses of the Pfizer vaccine, which is authorized for those 12 years and older (12-17 must have parent or guardian present).

The Health District and state health officials are urging unvaccinated residents to consider getting the COVID-19 vaccine to protect yourself and your loved ones from the Delta COVID-19 variant. The Delta variant, which is the dominant variant in Washoe County, is much more contagious than other variants and most hospitalized Delta cases are unvaccinated. The COVID-19 is proven to reduce the chances of contracting, or being hospitalized from, COVID-19 and the Delta variant.

Below are some community events where you can get the free COVID-19 vaccine. Walk-ins are encouraged to stop in but appointments are available to some events as well. Links below include appointment registration or more information:

Those aged 12-17 can receive only the Pfizer vaccine and must have a parent or legal guardian present to receive it.

The Health District is also providing vaccines at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30-11:30 a.m. To schedule an appointment, visit our website. Appointments are not required but recommended.

Nevada is among states leading the nation in new COVID-19 cases and Washoe County is trending higher as well. The 7-day moving average for new cases in Washoe County is at 28, which is the highest it has been since May 16 (28.6) and is a 40% increase in new cases just in the last week. For more COVID-19 information in Washoe County, see our COVID-19 Dashboard.

The COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to protect oneself and others from COVID-19 and 99% of COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. in June were among unvaccinated people.

Next drawing for Vax Nevada Days is set for July 15

More than $5 million in cash and prizes will be given to Nevada residents who receive the COVID-19 vaccine before Aug. 15. The first drawing was July 8, 2021. Learn more: https://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.

2nd COVID-19 Delta variant-related death confirmed; 4 COVID-19 vaccine events to be held this week

by | Jul 6, 2021 | Press Release

2nd COVID-19 Delta variant-related death confirmed; 4 COVID-19 vaccine events to be held this week

Vaccine sites include Lazy 5 Regional Park, BELIEVE Plaza, Great Basin Brewery & Food Truck Friday

July 6, 2021. Reno/Sparks, NV – The Washoe County COVID-19 Regional Information Center is reporting the second COVID-19 Delta variant-related death in Washoe County: a male in his 50s with an underlying health condition who had not received the COVID-19 vaccine. There have been 687 COVID-19-related deaths in Washoe County since March 2020.

Additionally, we’re reporting 14 additional COVID-19 Delta variant cases for a total of 65 in Washoe County. See more COVID-19 information on our dashboard. If you are showing symptoms of COVID-19, we strongly encourage you to stay home from work or school to isolate and get a COVID-19 test with the Washoe County Health District (WCHD).

WCHD is partnering with several community event organizers and local businesses to provide the COVID-19 vaccine this week.

The Pfizer and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccines will be offered. The vaccines are free and effectively protect against COVID-19 variants – If you do contract the virus, your symptoms are likely to be much less severe.

Those aged 12-17 can receive only the Pfizer vaccine and must have a parent or legal guardian present to receive it.

No appointments are required. The vaccine sites are:

Lazy 5 Summer Music Series

Wednesdays, July 7-28, 4-8 p.m.

Lazy 5 Regional Park at 7100 Pyramid Highway Sparks, NV 89436 (next to the Spanish Springs Library)

Vaccine: Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) & Pfizer

More information here

BELIEVE Plaza – Downtown Reno

Thursday, July 8, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 N. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89501

Vaccine: Janssen (Johnson & Johnson)

Great Basin Brewery

Thursday, July 8, 3:30-7 p.m.

846 Victorian Ave., Sparks, NV 89431

Vaccine: Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) & Pfizer

Free pints of beer and root beer for those who receive a COVID-19 vaccine; other prizes available

Partnership between Reno Fire Department and WCHD

Food Truck Friday

Fridays July 9-30, 4-7 p.m.

2055 Idlewild Dr, Reno, NV 89509

Vaccine: Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) & Pfizer

More info here.

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine requires two doses and vaccine sites will be set up exactly three weeks after to administer second doses. The Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center is also an option to receive the second dose. See appointments here.

For more information on COVID-19, go to our website www.COVID19Washoe.com. For updated COVID-19 stats, visit our Washoe County COVID-19 Dashboard.

The first drawing for Vax Nevada Days is set for July 8

More than $5 million in cash and prizes will be given to Nevada residents who receive the COVID-19 vaccine before Aug. 15. The first drawing is Thursday, July 8, 2021. Learn more: https://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.

 

First COVID-19 Delta variant-related death reported in Washoe County; 34 additional cases reported

by | Jul 1, 2021 | Press Release

First COVID-19 Delta variant-related death reported in Washoe County; 34 additional cases reported

Residents encouraged to get COVID-19 vaccine to protect against variants of concern

July 1, 2021. Reno/Sparks, NV – The Regional Information Center is reporting the first COVID-19 Delta variant-related death and 34 additional Delta cases in Washoe County, moving the total number of Delta variant cases to 51.

The deceased is a female in her 40s who was hospitalized, had no underlying health conditions and had not received the COVID-19 vaccine. There have been 685 COVID-19-related deaths in Washoe County since March 2020 – see Washoe County COVID-19 Dashboard here.

Most of the Delta variant cases are occurring in unvaccinated individuals and all of the hospitalized cases have been unvaccinated. Of the 51 Delta variant cases confirmed to date, nine were considered fully vaccinated, which means it had been two or more weeks since they received the second dose of Moderna or Pfizer vaccines or the one-dose Janssen (Johnson & Johnson).

A majority of the Delta variant cases had symptoms of COVID-19, including cough, fever, shortness of breath, congestion, headache and other allergy-like symptoms.

“If you are showing symptoms of COVID-19, we strongly encourage you to stay home from work or school to isolate and get a COVID-19 test with the Health District,” said Kevin Dick, District Health Officer in Washoe County. “The Delta variant has become the most common COVID-19 variant in Washoe County over the last two weeks and is extremely contagious. The COVID-19 vaccine provides the best protection to you and others around you. We strongly encourage all who can to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Those who are not yet fully vaccinated should continue to wear masks in public to protect themselves and others.”

According to the Nevada State Public Health Lab (NSPHL), among samples collected June 1-25, 2021, the Delta variant was the most common. NSPHL reported 39 percent of samples sequenced during that timeframe were the Delta variant while 34 percent were the B.1.1.7, the Alpha variant that originated in the United Kingdom. The first Delta case was confirmed in Washoe County on June 15, 2021.

Here is a list of known confirmed COVID-19 variants of concern in Washoe County since the beginning of 2021 (see Centers for Disease Control and Prevention list of variants here):

  • 258 B.1.1.7 (Originated in UK/Alpha)
  • 51 B.1.617.2 (India/Delta)
  • *10 B.1.417/B.1.429 (California/Epsilon – now a “variant of interest” according to the CDC and not a “variant of concern”)
  • 7 B.1.526 (Iota) and B.1.526.1 (NY)
  • 4 B.1.617.1 (India/Kappa)
  • 2 B.1.1.318 (has a E484K spike protein substitution)
  • 2 B.1.351 (South Africa/Beta)
  • 1 P.1 (Brazil/Gamma)
  • 1 P.2 (Brazil/Zeta)

According to the CDC, one in four cases now are reported as the Delta variant nationwide. The Delta variant appears to be infecting people who are young and not vaccinated.

The COVID-19 vaccine improves protection against the new Delta variant. To schedule a COVID-19 vaccine at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center, go here. The City of Reno and Reno Fire Department are hosting a COVID-19 vaccine event today and July 6 at Greater Nevada Field, home of the Reno Aces. More info here.

The Washoe County Health District has resources regarding your COVID-19 vaccine on our website at this link here. The CDC recommends that those unvaccinated still wear masks and has resources for the COVID-19 vaccine at this link.

The Health District encourages those who need a COVID-19 test to get it at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center, schedule a test here. Tests administered at the Livestock Events Center automatically are sequenced for COVID-19 variants by the Nevada State Public Health Lab.

For updated information regarding the fight against COVID-19 and updated vaccine rates please see the Washoe County COVID-19 dashboard.

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. 

17 Delta variant COVID-19 cases reported in Washoe County

by | Jun 23, 2021 | Press Release

17 Delta variant COVID-19 cases reported in Washoe County

Residents encouraged to get vaccinated to protect against variants of concern

June 23, 2021. Reno/Sparks, NV – The Regional Information Center is reporting 17 COVID-19 cases in Washoe County that have been confirmed to be the B.1.617.2 variant of concern, known as the Delta variant which originated in India. Of the 17 cases, four were hospitalized (three in the Intensive Care Unit) and all were under age 60. None of the hospitalized cases received the COVID-19 vaccine.

According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, the Delta variant of concern is very contagious and is disproportionally affecting younger people.

The Health District is aware of three clusters involving COVID-19 Delta variants. One cluster of nine COVID-19 cases involves Hunsberger Elementary School students, as well as family members and household contacts. A cluster is defined as two or more confirmed or probable cases that are connected to a place within a 14-day period. Four of the cases are elementary school children and two of those cases have been confirmed to have the B.1.617.2 Delta variant of concern. Two of the other five cases have also been identified as the Delta variant.

The two other clusters are at workplaces in Washoe County and are under investigation.

The COVID-19 vaccine is proven to be effective against variants of concern, including the Delta variant. COVID-19 vaccine appointments are available at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center and can be scheduled here. Walk-ins are also welcome – see a schedule of operations here. More options at local pharmacies and elsewhere can be found here.

The Health District encourages those who need a COVID-19 test to get it at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center, which is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Schedule a test here. Tests administered at the Livestock Events Center automatically are sequenced by the Nevada State Public Health Lab.

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.