Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve has issued the following statement, on behalf of the City of Reno, regarding COVID-19 (novel coronavirus):
I was saddened by the news that the Washoe County Health District (WCHD) has received a presumptive positive case of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), the first in Washoe County, and we know City of Reno residents are concerned about how our city is preparing.
The City of Reno is continuing to monitor the level of risk to the public in close coordination with WCHD and other regional agencies, and we will provide updates as they become available. In addition to these regional efforts, City personnel and programs are prepared to protect the public without affecting services.
The City of Reno would like to address some of the more common questions that have been asked:
What are the Reno Fire Department and Reno Police Department doing to prepare for a potential outbreak?
The Reno Fire Department (RFD) and Reno Police Department (RPD), like the rest of the country, are actively monitoring developments with the COVID-19 virus on a daily basis. Both departments are working closely with WCHD on preparation and response.
Public safety responders have been trained and equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and will continue to serve the public with our usual high standard of response and protection. Responders are also working with the State to secure additional PPE resources for use, if an outbreak were to occur.
RFD is working with WCHD on preparation and response in the event of an outbreak, as well as actively participating in national webinars and conference calls on the issue.
Any patients who call 911 with serious respiratory complaints in the Reno area will receive expanded questioning through REMSA, which may or may not elicit a higher-level response protection by responders, including RFD. Remember, only call 911 in an emergency.
How are City facilities and recreation programs preparing for a potential outbreak?
City of Reno Staff is following the guidance of the CDC and WCHD by implementing the following:
• Increased cleaning and use of disinfectants in all City of Reno Parks and Recreation facilities, Reno City Hall, Reno Police Department facilities and other public locations, with an emphasis on high-use and high-touch areas such as restrooms, counters and elevators.
• Coordination with regional partners specifically as it relates to publicly offered programs such as Sierra Kids and Vacation Station, senior programming and other recreation services.
• Encouraging staff to wash hands frequently and stay home if they are exhibiting symptoms of acute respiratory illness. The Sierra Kids before and after school programs will close in conjunction with any Washoe County School District (WCSD) closures. For instance, Huffaker Elementary School was closed today, March 6 (although the City of Reno does not have a Huffaker ES Sierra Kids program).
Looking ahead to the WCSD Spring Break, March 16-27, please understand that City of Reno Vacation Station programs could also be affected and, if necessary, cancelled. Pay attention to our social media, emails and other credible sources of news.
What resources are there for residents to find out more information about coronavirus?
The Washoe County Health District has outlined resources on its website including how the disease spreads, travel restrictions, an infographic and a section for medical professionals and businesses.
The best ways to prevent spread is:
• Regular hand washing
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
• Avoid contact with people who are sick
• Like with any illness, the best way to avoid spreading it to coworkers is to stay home if you are sick. WCHD prepared an FAQs document to help explain our community’s role in combating the virus. You can find a copy of the FAQs and other information at washoecounty.us/covid19. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) website also has information on Prevention and Treatment.
The health and safety of our community is our utmost concern. For any questions or concerns about the COVID-19 virus, contact the Washoe County Health District via Washoe 311. Washoe 311 is providing answers to a lot of questions about COVID-19 and are trained on when to transfer people to the appropriate Health District personnel.
What are the next steps?
While this is a serious public health threat, the immediate risk to the general public in Washoe County and the United States remains low at this time, according to WCHD.
I echo Governor (Steve) Sisolak in encouraging our residents, and all Nevadans, not to panic, but to take this seriously and to stay informed as updates on this developing situation become available. The City of Reno is in close communication with the Governor on this issue.
I also want the community to know that I am in close contact with The United States Conference of Mayors, who are keeping up to date with our national partners regarding the coronavirus outbreak and response.
