COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus Disease 2019, has received significant public attention in recent weeks. As federal, state, and local officials continue to closely monitor the situation, I’d like to provide you with current information from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and other helpful resources.
The below information is also available under the “services” tab on my website.
BACKGROUND
The CDC is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in Wuhan, China and which has now been detected in several locations internationally, including in the United States.
On January 30, 2020, the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a “public health emergency of international concern” (PHEIC).
On January 31, 2020, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex M. Azar II declared a public health emergency (PHE) for the United States to aid the nation’s healthcare community in responding to COVID-19.
SITUATION IN THE UNITED STATES
Imported cases of COVID-19 in travelers have been detected in the U.S.
Person-to-person spread of COVID-19 also has been reported among close contacts of returned travelers from Wuhan, China.
CLICK HERE for daily updates on COVID-19 cases identified in the United States.
NEVADA’S RESPONSE & GUIDANCE EFFORTS
The Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH) is working with the CDC to closely monitor the outbreak of respiratory illness caused by COVID-19.
At this moment, Nevada does not have any confirmed cases of COVID-19 by the CDC. However, my staff and I are aware of the patient in Nevada who tested “presumptively” positive for the novel coronavirus following a test performed by the Southern Nevada Health District today. The patient's sample has been sent to the CDC for official confirmation. I will continue to monitor the situation and keep you updated as we learn more.
In the meantime, please CLICK HERE to receive updates and technical bulletins surrounding COVID-19 in Nevada as information changes and becomes available.
Local health authorities are also monitoring and providing information related to novel coronavirus. The links below will take you to information from the:
WHERE CAN I GO FOR CARE?
For constituents exhibiting symptoms of coronavirus (fever, cough, and shortness of breath), please seek immediate medical attention from your primary care physician.
If you do not have a primary care physician, please CLICK HERE for a comprehensive list of CD-2’s Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) providing care to constituents throughout Northern Nevada in Reno, Carson City, Virginia City, Austin, Carlin, Crescent Valley, Elko, Eureka, Jackpot, and Wendover. Use the interactive map of our district to find the community health center location nearest you.
*Please note testing is covered by private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid.
TRAVEL ASSISTANCE:
- CDC travel health notices can be found here.
- International travel guidance issued by the Department of State is available here.
- State Department and specific country advisories are listed here.
If you have symptoms of coronavirus and have been to China in the last few weeks, or have been in close contact with someone you know who has been to China, make sure to contact your health care provider immediately.
PRACTICAL PREVENTION TECHNIQUES
There are several steps you should take to prevent the spread of germs. The CDC provides the following guidance on best practices to take to minimize the spread of respiratory illnesses, such as the COVID-19 virus:
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Vaccinations - Stay up to date on vaccinations, including the influenza vaccine.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Maintain at least six feet of distance from anyone exhibiting obvious symptoms.
- Stay home when you are sick.
FACE MASKS
- The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
- Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.
As a practical matter, if you are showing symptoms of COVID-19, you should immediately seek appropriate medical attention.
WHO CAN I TALK TO IF I NEED ADDITIONAL SUPPORT?
If you have questions regarding the coronavirus and prevention, please contact your primary care physician or CLICK HERE for additional information from the CDC.
As always, thank you for subscribing to the Amodei Report. I look forward to continuing to keep you up to date on the issues you care about most. For additional information, please visit my website at amodei.house.gov or call my Washington office: (202) 225-6155, Reno office: (775) 686-5760, or Elko office: (775) 777-7705. To receive updates on what I am doing in Washington and in Nevada’s 2nd District follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
