As your representative, one of my top priorities is to keep you updated on important issues such as COVID-19. Please know my staff and I are in constant contact with local, state, and federal officials regarding the status of cases in CD-2, preparedness, protocol, and plans of action.
As the current situation continues to evolve rapidly, I want to ensure you have access to the most accurate information from credible outlets. Below are what we believe to be trusted resources regarding the coronavirus issue:
Trusted Resources on COVID-19
For the latest updates and technical bulletins from the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH), click here.
For the latest updates from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), click here.
For the latest updates from the World Health Organization (WHO), click here.
Situation in CD-2
As of Thursday, March 12:
- The Washoe County Health District has confirmed two cases of COVID-19 in Washoe County. Officials have indicated they are prepared to properly respond to those cases.
- Carson City Health and Human Services has announced its first presumptive positive case in Carson City. As officials await final confirmation from the CDC on this case, my staff and I will do our best to keep you updated on any developments we receive.
The DPBH is continuing to work closely with the CDC to monitor the outbreak of respiratory illness caused by COVID-19 and provide the public with updates. Local health authorities are also monitoring and providing information related to COVID-19. Please click through the links below for additional information from local health authorities.
- CLICK HERE for the latest information from the Washoe County Health District.
- The Washoe County Health District is reminding the community not to go to the ER or into a facility if symptomatic. If you’re experiencing symptoms, please call: 775-328-2427 so county officials can analyze your symptoms and work to get you in contact with your health care provider before coming to a facility and potentially infecting others. This local line is open from 8AM-5PM PT. After-hours please dial 311 for assistance. The county is currently working to expand hours of operation for this hotline.
- CLICK HERE for the latest information from Carson City Health and Human Services which also handles public health issues for Storey County, Lyon County, and Douglas County.
- 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.
- For constituents living in Pershing, Churchill, or Humboldt Counties, please see below for additional information:
- Pershing County: Pershing General Hospital, (775) 273-2621
- Churchill County: Banner Churchill Community Hospital, (775) 423-3151
- Humboldt County: Humboldt General Hospital, (775) 623-5222
For constituents exhibiting symptoms of coronavirus (fever, cough, and shortness of breath), please call your health care provider prior to arriving at a facility for treatment to avoid infecting others. CLICK HERE for an infographic detailing the process for assessing, testing, and reporting of coronavirus cases for residents living in Northern and Rural Nevada, courtesy of the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services.
If you need additional guidance, please do not hesitate to contact my office with questions. We’re here to help.
Federal Response – Prioritizing our Resources
As the situation continues to develop, it is imperative we equip our state and local partners with the tools and resources they need to protect our communities. This is why the House passed an $8.3 billion emergency supplemental package last week to initiate a comprehensive response to the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States. This package gives state and local officials the support they need to appropriately and immediately respond to the situation in their communities and also supports vaccine development, the purchase of essential equipment and supplies, treatments to ease symptoms, and the CDC’s quarantine efforts, laboratory testing, emergency response operations, and epidemiological investigations.
As you may know, Governor Sisolak declared a state of emergency for Nevada to give our state access to necessary tools that will increase our flexibility to respond to this rapidly developing situation. This declaration will also advance measures to mitigate and ultimately contain COVID-19. Additionally, President Trump declared a state of emergency for the United States to activate additional assistance so health officials at the federal, state, and local levels have even more support to mobilize and continue responding to the situation.
Work is continuing in Congress on a virus relief package that concentrates on lessening economic impacts. Under consideration is funding that would support testing, preparedness, supplies, response efforts, and economic support to help those American businesses and citizens affected and disrupted by coronavirus.
There is also good news coming out of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today with the announcement of a new coronavirus test that will speed up by tenfold the ability to test patients, helping resolve a significant obstacle that has previously impeded efforts to contain the virus.
Economic Challenges
Along with the public health challenge, we must also put plans in place to mitigate some of the economic challenges we expect workers, families, and businesses to potentially face as a result of disruption or illness.
COVID-19 has created a lack of confidence that has shaken financial markets and triggered economic impacts for industries worldwide. While the financial impacts brought on by this public health crisis are being compared to the 2008 economic collapse, it’s important to note this is not a structural problem. Instead, it’s a confidence problem.
We’ve already seen some of the immediate economic impacts COVID-19 has caused for larger industries including the travel, tourism, and entertainment industries. However, as the situation continues to evolve, our nation’s small businesses will also feel the economic side effects of COVID-19. Therefore, work continues on identifying responsible actions to ensure businesses of all sizes and their employees have the relief they need to survive this disruption.
Moving Forward
While we can never say mission accomplished, I would like to take a moment to compliment Governor Sisolak, our state and local health care providers, Federally Qualified Health Centers across Nevada, and officials from the Washoe County Health District, the Carson City Department of Health and Human Services, and the Southern Nevada Health District, who have all done an excellent job of responding to and managing the initial stages of this challenge. Our communities have been served well and I’m proud of Nevada’s response so far.
Combating COVID-19 will require a team effort from the Administration, Congress, and our state and local partners as our top priority is to keep Americans safe. Right now, the best thing we can all do is stay alert, informed, and prepared.
For additional updates on Nevada's response to COVID-19 and what to do if you're symptomatic, please visit the coronavirus section of my website by clicking HERE, or visit the new “Nevada Health Response” website for additional up-to-date information and guidance pertaining to COVID-19.
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.
