REGIONAL INFORMATION CENTER UPDATE FOR MARCH 28

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Reno/Sparks, NV – The Regional Information Center today offered the Washoe County community the following resources and information pertaining to COVID-19 and the community’s response.

The Washoe County Health District is reporting that two Washoe County residents have recovered from COVID-19 and have been released from self-isolation, increasing the count to seven recoveries. The previous number of recoveries was five.

In addition, the Health District is reporting 18 additional positive cases of COVID-19 in Washoe County, moving the total number of cases to 93 and the active case count to 86. For more information on gender and age, visit our covid19Washoe.com dashboard.

Washoe County Sheriff Deputy tests positive for COVID-19

Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam reported this afternoon that one of the Sheriff’s Office Detention Facility deputies has tested positive for COVID-19.

The deputy had just returned to work on Thursday, March 26, 2020 after having been off for a week. After she reported experiencing a symptom of coronavirus, the deputy was sent to an independent lab for testing and home.

This morning the Sheriff’s Office learned the deputy tested positive.

The Sheriff’s Office is currently working with the Washoe County Health District who is continuing the investigation of this case. Information about all persons who may have come into contact with the deputy during the short time she was in the office is being provided to the Health District. The Sheriff’s Office is prepared to take appropriate steps in the future based on recommendations from the Health District.

Sheriff Balaam has instructed his staff to begin immediate single point entry and screening for all employees and visitors. All those needing to enter the Sheriff’s Office for business will have their temperature taken and answer basic screening questions before admittance.

The Sheriff began instituting precautions such as increased medical screenings for arrestees, increased education and awareness for both inmates and staff, and increased sanitation efforts throughout the entire Sheriff’s Office, since the second week of March. Numerous additional steps, such as having many staff members work remotely from home and postponing non-essential service requests, have been instituted at the Office to increase social distancing and reduce exposure.

Daily Social Distancing Message

Avoid groups larger than 10 people, and always maintain 6 feet of separation. 

How to Volunteer – Medical Personnel  

Medical personnel and medical students who want to volunteer to support the COVID-19 response should email their interest to WCHDvolunteerscovid19@gmail.com.  Volunteers may not be needed immediately.  The Washoe County Health District is compiling a contact list should the need arise.

#StayHomeForNevada – Message from Regional Fire Departments

Chiefs from the Reno Fire Department, Sparks Fire Department and Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District have an important video message for our community: #StayHomeForNevada  . Be sure to stay at home with safety in mind, though, and please help spread this message.

Older Americans Month Cancelled

Due to COVID-19 concerns in our community, Washoe County and the Cities of Reno and Sparks, are canceling Older Americans Month (OAM) 2020. In an effort to comply with Governor Sisolak’s request for social distancing, all OAM activities during the month of May will not take place. However, home delivered and takeout meals for seniors will not be impacted. Head to the Human Services Agency’s  website for more information.

Supplies are ready to distribute to seniors in need

Thanks to the generosity of our community, the Stuff A Bus event on Friday was an overwhelming success. If you are a senior or know a senior that can use essential supplies in the Reno/Sparks area, leave a message at (775) 393-4166 or by email at [StuffABus@reno.gov]StuffABus@reno.gov. Delivery of supplies will begin during the week of March 30th until gone. 

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. 

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