REGIONAL INFORMATION CENTER UPDATE – MAY 21

REGIONAL INFORMATION CENTER UPDATE – MAY 21

47 COVID-19 recoveries reported

Health District Hotline:
775.328.2427

COVID-19 Testing Available:
Click to Schedule a Risk Assessment

Reno/Sparks, NV – The Regional Information Center is reporting the largest single-day increase in COVID-19 recoveries with 47 and 11 new cases of COVID-19 in Washoe County.

  • Total COVID-19 cases in Washoe County: 1,316 (+11 from 5/20)
  • Deaths: 48 (+0)
  • Recoveries: 747 (+47)
  • Active cases: 521 (-36)
  • Currently hospitalized: 58 (+2)
  • Cases who have discharged from hospital: 111 (+1)

As a reminder, to get tested for COVID-19 simply fill out this form here or call 775-328-2427. The form is also available in Spanish, which can be found here.

Total number of COVID-19 tests performed in Washoe County as of May 20, 2020

  • Total number of COVID-19 tests performed in Washoe County: 18,023 (+1,031 from 5/18)

Note: These figures are provided by the State of Nevada. 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 as of May 20, 2020:

  • 71 percent of all staffed short-term, acute-care hospital beds are occupied (+0 since May 19)
  • 52 percent of the all Intensive Care Unit beds are occupied (+3%)
  • 15 percent of all ventilators are in use (-2%)

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

Check your mailbox for COVID-19 prevalence study

A random selection of Washoe County residents should have received information from the Washoe County Health District (WCHD) regarding a prevalence study for COVID-19. Please watch for this letter from the Washoe County Health District.

Up to 1,181 households received a letter inviting their family to participate in an antibody study designed by WCHD and the University of Nevada, Reno, School of Community Health Sciences. The expectation is to gather a statistically significant data set that will help public health officials and the public determine effectively how many residents have had COVID-19. The results are expected to be published in late June or early July. We encourage residents to participate.

The study is for those who received the mail invitation only. Please follow instructions provided in the invitation.

Important Memorial Day Reminders

With the Memorial Day holiday approaching and nice weather on the horizon, it is critical to continue practicing social distancing and wearing a face covering. The largest spikes in COVID-19 cases have occurred after Mother’s Day and Cinco de Mayo where there is a larger opportunity and desire to gather in groups. Please remember to protect yourself and those around you.

Additionally, Memorial Day also marks the unofficial beginning of the summer season in northern Nevada, along with fire season. When barbequing, target shooting or other outdoor activities, please remember to recreate responsibly and always be vigilant and be prepared.

Please see the Governor’s travel advisory, which urges residents to avoid non-essential travel and to self-quarantine and monitor their health for 14 days after returning to Nevada to help contain the spread of COVID-19

COVID-19 housing available for those who are unable to self-isolate due to current living circumstances

The Washoe County COVID-19 Incident Management Team has temporary housing available for those who have contracted COVID-19 and are currently homeless, cannot safely isolate at home or do not have the resources to obtain a location that would allow for maintaining appropriate social distancing standards or self-isolation 

Many residents who have confirmed cases can self-isolate at home if they have space to keep away from household members. More information is available to COVID-19 positive residents by calling Washoe 311 (Dial 3-1-1).

Pools still closed under Governor’s directive

The Washoe Health District is not opening any pool or spa that requires a Health permit based on the Governor’s directive to close non-essential businesses. The directive includes closure of gyms and fitness facilities, including health clubs, yoga, barre, spin facilities, and pools.

We understand the inconvenience this may cause. The Health District is ready and prepared to assist operators with the opening of pools if and when the governor gives direction. Once this happens, there is guidance available about COVID-19 and pools by the CDC.

The 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.