Carson City Health and Human Service reports more than 1,000 positive COVID-19 tests since Nov. 16

Carson City Health and Human Services (CCHHS) is reporting an increase in positive cases over the last week. Since November 16, 2020, CCHHS has received over 1,000 positive results for the Quad-County region. Due to the high volume of cases, not all positive cases have been contacted. CCHHS is working to investigate the cases and reduce the back log in positive results.

Due to the increase in positivity rates throughout the Quad-County region, CCHHS must change the case reporting protocol. Previously, cases were not reported until an investigation was completed. Effective today, positive labs received will be reported as an active case and the individuals will be notified of their test result which may be prior to an investigation occurring.

As the positivity rate continues to increase in the Quad-County region, CCHHS encourages everyone to continue practicing preventative actions such as wearing a mask when around people who are not in your household, washing your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, practicing social distancing, and staying home as much as possible. As we enter the holiday season, staying diligent and preventing the spread of COVID-19 is even more important.

CCHHS is reporting 1,160 new cases and no additional recoveries of COVID-19 in the Quad-County Region. This brings the total number of cases to 4,153, with 2,219 recoveries and 33 deaths; 1,901 cases remain active.

In response to the amount of cases, Carson Tahoe Health released this statement:

"Carson Tahoe is running at about 90% capacity at the Regional Medical Center, but we are temporarily increasing our capacity for inpatients utilizing beds at Carson Tahoe Long-Term Acute Care Hospital (LTAC) as well as Carson Tahoe Sierra Surgery. We continually monitor patient status and staff ability to assure proper care delivery, which is in a state of continual flux. We are grateful that a few weeks ago we proactively suspended non-emergent or non-time-sensitive surgeries (emergency surgeries have not been suspended). Because of this, we are able to reallocate our resources to ensure a safe and healthy environment for each patient (COVID-positive or otherwise) that comes through our facilities.

"Our COVID-19 positive and COVID-19 rule-out patients (those who need to be hospitalized and are waiting for test results) are separated from other patients and cohorted together whenever possible.

"We only transport a patient to another facility if they need a higher level of care than we can reasonably provide. Hospital referrals and transfers from Carson Tahoe have not changed due to COVID-19 and continue happen to facilitate proper higher levels of care as needed by our patients and community."

Gender and age break down of the cases by county as well as the cases by zip code, found at https://gethealthycarsoncity.org/novel-coronavirus-2019/, will be updated as the information becomes available.

Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing for Quad-County Residents

CCHHS is continuing to offer drive-thru COVID-19 testing events for Quad-County residents throughout December. The events are COVID-19 testing only, no flu vaccine will be available. Testing is for Quad-County (Carson City, Douglas, Lyon, and Storey County) residents ONLY. All others will be turned away. Events may be canceled 48 hours in advance if inclement weather is expected. Testing is free of charge. Events are first come, first served, no appointments or reservations. View all upcoming events at https://gethealthycarsoncity.org/events/.

For those who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have questions, call the Quad-County COVID-19 Hotline Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Spanish speakers are available. The phone number is (775) 434-1988.