Washoe County has Second Presumptive Positive Case of COVID-19

Health District is identifying close contacts, urges continued caution to residents

Reno, Nev. March 8, 2020. A second Washoe County resident has contracted COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus), the Washoe County Health District (WCHD) announced Sunday. 

The case is a male in his 30s and he is isolated at home. His symptoms appeared after his only known travel, which was to Santa Clara, Calif. The case is considered a presumptive positive and will be sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for confirmation.

Due to medical privacy requirements and to protect their identity, further information about the case will not be released. 

"Given the increase in cases across the nation and the world, and the increased local testing we’re conducting, it isn’t surprising to see an additional presumptive positive case," said Kevin Dick, District Health Officer for WCHD. "Washoe County residents should remain vigilant against this disease."

WCHD staff is identifying close contacts with the case as well as conducting community surveillance to determine possible spread in the community. 

The best ways for people to reduce their risk of getting sick, and preventing COVID-19 are: 

• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds 
• Cough or sneeze into your sleeve, or tissue
• Avoid touching your face 
• Stay home if you are sick 
• Try alternatives to shaking hands, like an elbow bump
• There is no recommendation to wear masks at this time to prevent yourself from getting sick
• If possible, work from home
• For businesses, go here for cleaning information

More information of COVID-19 can be found at www.washoecounty.us/covid19 or by calling Washoe 311 (Dial 3-1-1).

MEDIA: Availability is at 1 p.m. today, Sunday, March 8, at the Washoe County Administration Complex, 1001 E. 9th Street, Building A, 9^th Street doors near marriage license entrance, across the street from the Medical Examiners Office. Parking is available on 9th street. Complex gates are closed.

The Washoe County Health District is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making Washoe County District Board of Health. The District consists of five divisions: Administrative Health Services, Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Epidemiology and Public Health Preparedness. More info can be found here.