REGIONAL INFORMATION CENTER UPDATE – APRIL 24
Three additional deaths reported in Washoe County
Health District Hotline:
775.328.2427
Follow us on Twitter:
Twitter.com/covid19washoe
Reno/Sparks, NV – The Regional Information Team is reporting three additional COVID-19-related deaths in Washoe County.
The deceased are:
- Female in her 70s with underlying health conditions.
- Female in her 90s with underlying health conditions
- Male in his teens with underlying health conditions
The total COVID-19-related deaths in Washoe County is 25.
Additionally, there are 19 new COVID-19 cases in Washoe County with 17 recoveries.
- Total COVID-19 cases in Washoe County: 755 (+19 from 4/23)
- Deaths: 25 (+3)
- Recoveries: 241 (+17)
- Active cases: 490 (+0)
- Currently hospitalized: 42 (+0)
- Cases who have discharged from hospital: 50 (+1)
Total number of COVID-19 tests in Washoe County: 8,459 (+103)
As of April 23, 2020, a total of 8,459 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Washoe County. The tests may include non-Washoe County residents who were tested in Washoe County.
Hospital bed and ventilator information
In Washoe County as of April 22, 2020:
- 60 percent of short-term, acute-care hospital beds are occupied (+3% since April 20)
- 54 percent of the Intensive Care Unit beds are occupied (+1%)
- 27 percent of ventilators are in use (+3%)
Race & Ethnicity COVID-19 Report
Race and ethnicity statistics are now included in the Washoe County COVID-19 Dashboard. Go here and look for the tab “Ethnicity” under the Case History section.
The Health District does not require residents to identify their race and ethnicity to get tested. Testing is free. Call 775-328-2427 or learn more here.
Total Positive COVID-19 cases in Washoe County: 755
Total reports of race and ethnicity: 451 (60 percent)
See the COVID-19 Dashboard for a further breakdown.
River recreation not advised at this time
The Reno National Weather Service is projecting a pronounced warming and drying trend starting today, April 23, which will result in increased river flows from snowmelt this weekend. Fast, cold water could result in more regional rescue incidents with increased river use due to above-normal temperatures for this time of year. Peak flows in the Truckee River are expected to occur around May 1.
At this time, key public safety messages include:
- Due to fast, cold flows and COVID-19 social-distancing recommendations, river recreation by the general public is not advised at this time.
- Consider waiting to float or swim the Truckee River until flows subside, and the state announces more precise reopening plans.
- An unprepared person entering the water may experience hypothermia within several minutes, affecting their ability to swim and make decisions, leading to drowning.
- If you do decide to go in the river, always wear a life jacket, helmet, thermal protection and sturdy shoes for river recreation.
- Do not drink alcohol or use drugs when boating or tubing.
- Never go into the river alone.
- Have a plan and a rendezvous point in case you become separated.
- Let a friend or family member know when you plan to return.
Virtual Town Hall today at 1 p.m.
This week’s Regional Information Center Virtual Town Hall will focus on public safety and the mental and physical health and wellness of our community during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Virtual Town Hall will be live Friday, April 24 at 1 p.m. on the City of Sparks Facebook page as well as on KOLO News Channel 8.
Kids eligible for free meals with No Kid Hungry in Washoe County
As families work hard to provide for their children during these unprecedented times, we want to ensure Women Infants & Children (WIC) families are aware of all the resources that might be available in their communities. Kids ages 0-18 are eligible for free meals that schools or other organizations in your community may be providing.
No Kid Hungry has launched a texting hotline to inform about emergency food distribution sites in their neighborhoods. Parents & caregivers can text the word “FOOD” (or “COMIDA”) to 877-877 to find free meals in Washoe County. For more, go to their website.
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.