COVID-19 cases increasing but down from last year

As the fall flu season approaches, Carson City is seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases since July though still fewer cases than the same period last year, according to Carson City Health and Human Services.

In July, Carson had 72 COVID-19 cases. In August, as of Tuesday, the city had 104 cases.

“This is much lower than the cases reported in August of 2022 — 229,” CCHHS Director Nicki Aaker said by email. “Based on the last report that the Nevada Hospital Association published, our healthcare system is not under stress, and the hospital sector remains in a healthy status.”

CCHHS recommends staying up to date on vaccines for COVID and influenza “to lower the risk of getting severely sick or hospitalized.”

“If you are meeting with others inside, it is recommended to open windows or have air filtration to better ventilate the area,” said Aaker. “If possible, CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) also recommends moving events outside, so viral particles do not accumulate indoors. If you develop any flu/COVID-like symptoms, it is recommended to get tested and isolate at home if possible while waiting for test results.

“The CDC also recommends, when in public to reduce your potential exposure to circulating respiratory virus(es), that one can make the personal choice of wearing a mask and attempting to maintain social distancing in congested areas.”

The CDC website says the COVID-19 vaccines are “safe, effective and free.” The CDC recommends at least five days of isolation for those who have tested positive. For information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html.

According to the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, COVID-19 deaths in Carson City total 238 since the pandemic started, versus 12,109 statewide, as of Aug. 21. Furthermore, 36,204 vaccinations have been reported as completed in Carson City, which is approximately 63 percent of the population.

“Currently, CCHHS has the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine available for community members on the first and third Thursday of each month at the Public Health Clinic,” said Aaker.

The Public Health Clinic is located at 900 E. Long St.

“If someone would like to request a specific brand, it is recommended to call the clinic at 775-887-2195 to schedule an appointment to ensure availability,” said Aaker. “Although there will be new boosters arriving in the fall, there is no current timeline on when these will be available at CCHHS; however, when more is known, that information will be distributed to the community.”

For information about CCHHS, visit https://www.gethealthycarsoncity.org/.