REGIONAL INFORMATION CENTER UPDATE – MAY 5
Additional COVID-19-related death reported, total cases surpasses 1,000
Health District Hotline:
775.328.2427
Follow us on Twitter:
Twitter.com/covid19washoe
Reno/Sparks, NV – The Regional Information Center is reporting an additional COVID-19-related death in Washoe County: A female in her 90s and it is under investigation if there were underlying health conditions.
This is the 36th COVID-19-related death in Washoe County.
In addition, we’ve surpassed 1,000 COVID-19 cases in Washoe County, with the total currently at 1,014. There were 15 additional recoveries.
- Total COVID-19 cases in Washoe County: 1,014 (+28 from 5/4)
- Deaths: 36 (+1)
- Recoveries: 415 (+15)
- Active cases: 563 (+9)
- Currently hospitalized: 56 (+1)
- Cases who have discharged from hospital: 73 (+1)
Hospital bed and ventilator information
In Washoe County as of May 4, 2020:
- 56 percent of short-term, acute-care hospital beds are occupied (-1% since May 3)
- 43 percent of the Intensive Care Unit beds are occupied (-11%)
- 22 percent of ventilators are in use (+5%)
Washoe County Human Services Agency contractor tests positive for COVID-19
A contractor through Washoe County Human Services Agency (HSA) working at The Kids Kottage shelter has tested positive for COVID-19.
The worker began experiencing symptoms related to the COVID-19 virus over the weekend. He has not worked at the shelter since last Thursday. He is no longer reporting to work and remained at home during the testing process. His test came back positive earlier today. He is currently resting at home.
The contract agency is working with the Washoe County Health District for further investigation. Information about all persons who may have come into contact with these employees is being provided to the Health District. HSA is providing support to the contract staff and is prepared to take any additional steps deemed appropriate by the Washoe County Health District.
No children or staff have shown any symptoms of COVID-19 at this time.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with our contractor who was diagnosed with COVID-19. We wish him a speedy recovery,” HSA Director Amber Howell said. “The health of our staff and children in care is paramount. We will continue to follow the Washoe County Health District’s guidance throughout this process.”
Washoe County submits Road to Recovery document to Governor’s office
Washoe County worked with its departments, including the Health District, to submit an update to the Governor’s Local Empowerment Advisory Panel (LEAP) regarding progress on reopening. Read the report here.
Antibody testing update
The Nevada State Public Health Laboratory is implementing a plan for limited antibody testing. The Lab will soon begin to gather critical data needed before the tests are made widely available for clinical use. Read more here.
Washoe County drive-thru testing capacity expands
COVID-19 testing at the Washoe County drive-thru site has expanded to allow for more testing.
The number of testing stations increased from four to six. At Monday’s test period, staff from the Health District and National Guard scheduled most patients in the early testing period to evaluate how many people could be tested. The team was able to collect samples from 150 people in the first hour of operation. There were 211 people total tested.
The COVID-19 Incident Management Team (IMT) is working to begin testing more people, including those who are not showing symptoms. Those people include first responders, healthcare workers, individuals in long term care facilities and those who have challenges with accessibility.
Residents who have symptoms of COVID-19, including cough, shortness of breath and others are encouraged to get tested. To complete a risk assessment and potentially get tested for COVID-19, call 775-328-2427, or fill out a risk assessment form online (Complete el formulario de evaluación COVID-19).
Residents urged to safely celebrate Cinco de Mayo
Washoe County residents are being asked to safely celebrate Cinco de Mayo today and limit large gatherings to prevent possible transmission of COVID-19.
Watch this video on what social distancing is and how it’s effective in reducing the spread of COVID-19 in our community.
School District, Food Bank have provided 150,000 meals to students (w/ video)
The Washoe County School District Nutrition Services Department partnered with the Food Bank of Northern Nevada on meal distribution for the community. They have provided nearly 150,000 meals to students in the past seven weeks since Distance Learning was launched. Watch the video here.
Sheriff’s Office to begin phased return of services beginning with CCW and work permits
On Wednesday, May 6, 2020 the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office will begin a cautious, modified rollout of services which have been scaled back due to COVID-19 concerns. Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) permits and work permits will be processed by appointment only. For detailed information, follow this link.
he COVID-19 Regional Information Center is working together to deliver COVID-19 community updates in a unified manner. Follow 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.