Health officials in Nevada’s two largest counties say they have been shut out of the governor’s decisions regarding the coronavirus pandemic.

The Washoe County Health District and the Southern Nevada Health District sent a joint letter with complaints to Governor Steve Sisolak.

The health officials say not including them in the state’s policy discussions or development of COVID-19 directives has complicated local responses to the pandemic. 

They cite Directive 033 which adjusts Nevada's standards on large gatherings.

The letter says, "...we were not consulted on the decision that was made for large event approval, you may not be aware of the burden placed on our already overwhelmed staff." 

They add the Washoe County, Southern Nevada Health Districts and the Carson City Health and Human Services are the public health authorities that represent most of Nevada's population. 

The joint letter says, "Since we are not consulted and engaged, we receive little or no advance notice of what these policy changes may be, and we are forced to react after decisions have been made and announcements are occurring."

Washoe County Health Officer Kevin Dick addressed the letter during a virtual press conference Wednesday. An afternoon meeting was set up between the governor and the health districts.

"I'm sure we'll be able to address that," Dick said. "I think there may have been some assumptions that were occurring regarding how communications were happening. So I welcome the opportunity to discuss and sort out those issues."

The state's COVID-19 response team admits there are always ways to improve. 

"We're looking forward to continuing the discussion with the local health districts on this and value their efforts to continue to meet their community needs," Caleb Cage, State of Nevada COVID-19 Response Director said.

To read the full letter, scroll down.

KTVN reached out to the Governor's Office for comment but have not heard back. 

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