Washoe County suspends all non-essential business meetings & events

Commissioners take steps to reduce risk of COVID-19 spread

Reno, Nev. March 13, 2020. Washoe County officials have decided to suspend all non-essential government events and business meetings in an effort to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), and to support the Washoe County Health District’s efforts to decrease the opportunity for disease transmission.

“As we reconsider how we conduct business in light of COVID-19, we believe suspending non-essential events and meetings is the most responsible thing to do,” said County Commission Chair, Bob Lucey. “This is to reduce the risk of spread in our community – not a decision made out of panic. We take the health and safety of our staff and the community seriously, and believe this action will best combat the potential long-term effects to our health, well-being, and economic vitality.”

Instead, Washoe County will be instituting telecommuting practices amongst our staff, when possible depending on job assignments. Officials believe this will allow continued service to the community, while limiting the need for every staff member to have an in-office presence. “We are still here working for you and re-directing our efforts to better manage the COVID-19 issues here in northern Nevada,” said Washoe County Manager, Eric Brown.

This includes the cancellation of the upcoming March 17, 2020 Board of County Commissioners meeting, and certain Library programs.

Washoe County leadership and staff are working to create alternative public meeting options for future meetings, and more information and updates will be forthcoming.

At this time, the following March 24, 2020 Board of County Commission meeting is still scheduled to resume as normal. Please click here for the Board of County Commissioners meeting schedule.

To watch today’s live press conference, please click here.

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