REGIONAL INFORMATION CENTER UPDATE FOR APRIL 16
Health District Hotline:
775.328.2427
Follow us on Twitter:
Twitter.com/covid19washoe
Reno/Sparks, NV – The Regional Information Center today is reporting the following messages for public awareness and education.
Alternative Care Site (ACS) at the Reno Sparks Convention Center on Hold
At this time, the COVID-19 Washoe Incident Management Team is closely monitoring the current local trends with regards to the COVID-19 modeling. The Alternative Care Site (ACS) project at the Reno Sparks Convention Center has been put on hold.
The team has been working in close coordination with the Army Corps of Engineers to design and convert 381,000 square feet of space at the Reno Sparks Convention Center into a care site, for up to 700 beds that would serve to treat patients with a broad spectrum of conditions from non-acute to critical care. Trigger points have been established should there be a need to move forward on the ACS plan. If needed, the project will be implemented with a two-day mobilization, and seven-day build. Current hospital capacity in Washoe County is around 54 percent.
Renown Health has setup its own care facility in its parking structure with 700 beds, with the ability to set up an additional 700 if needed.
WIC resources available during COVID-19
The Washoe County Health District’s Women, Infant and Children (WIC) program has plenty of spots available during what is a very stressful time for a lot of families. Our program helps women who are pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, or have infants or children under the age of 5. With all the unemployment going on, it’s a great resource for monthly supplemental nutritious foods, nutrition education and referrals to other health and social services. See our website for more information or call 775-828-6600 or 775-328-2299. Walk-in service is unavailable at this time.
Courts: Resolution of citations in lieu of COVID-19
The Reno and Sparks Municipal Courts have initiated programs to facilitate negotiation of minor misdemeanor citations. Examples of minor citations include speeding, failure to maintain lane, failure to yield, and stop-sign violations. To facilitate the program, alleged violators must contact the Reno City Attorney’s Office via email at trafficcitations@reno.gov or the Sparks Municipal Court at 775-353-2286 and provide certain information regarding the citation. Required information includes name, address, citation number, telephone number, and email address, if different from the one used for initial contact.
Alleged violators will be contacted to discuss settlement of the citation without a formal in-court proceeding. If a settlement is reached, the necessary forms will be sent electronically to review and sign. Fines may be paid online via the Reno Municipal Court website or City of Sparks website.
Driving under the influence, traffic accidents, and other crimes involving a victim(s) are not subject to these programs.
Community, let’s celebrate our class of 2020 and encourage them to “Be the Light”
The Washoe County School District (WCSD) Class of 2020 is on the threshold of graduating from high school, but because of COVID-19 closures, they are missing out on some of the most memorable experiences of their senior year. Although our classrooms are dark, our community’s care and encouragement for them is shining brightly. The WCSD is asking local businesses and organizations to create signs and messages to remind our seniors to “Be the Light—and Never Give Up on Your Dreams!”
On Friday, April 17, at 8:20 p.m. (2020 in military time) we are asking members of the community to turn up the lights on their signs, marquees, and front porches to send their own message to our graduating seniors. We want to encourage them to “Be the Light” as they prepare to finish their high school careers and embark on their adult lives with our congratulations for the hard work and dedication that helped them achieve this important academic goal.
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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REgional