LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Governor Steve Sisolak held a news conference Thursday at the Grant Sawyer State Office Building and declared a state of emergency in response to COVID-19 concerns. Sisolak discussed proactive steps the State of Nevada is taking to mitigate the impacts of the virus in our State.

Watch full news briefing below:

In the briefing, Sisolak provided an update on the current number of COVID-19 cases, saying there are now 11 total cases, including nine “presumptive positive” and two confirmed. For up-to-date information pertaining to COVID-19, Nevadans can go to the newly created “Nevada Health Response” website.

“Declaring a state of emergency while certainly a mark of the seriousness with which we are taking this effort, is not a reason to panic,” said Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak regarding declaring a state of emergency,” said Gov. Sisolak.

“The more tests you have the more positives you have, that is a given,” said Gov. Sisolak regarding coronavirus COVID-19 testing.

It is no secret that there are not enough #coronavirus tests.



The Southern NV Health District has less than 800 test kits.



We do not know when the requested 20 THOUSAND will arrive from the CDC.



So YES, testing is being done on a VERY limited basis. @8newsnow — Vanessa_Murphy (@Vanessa_Murphy) March 12, 2020

Congressman Steven Horsford released the following statement following Governor Sisolak’s announcement:

“I am grateful to Governor Sisolak for his leadership during this difficult time. The priority of Nevada’s government and its representatives in Congress is to keep our state’s families safe and healthy — and ensure that no person is left vulnerable,” Congressman Horsford said. “This emergency declaration will guarantee that we can continue to prepare for and appropriately respond to Nevadans’ needs during this time. I am grateful that our state’s leadership is willing to mobilize to the fullest extent to curb the spread of this virus.” – Congressman Steven Horsford

This is a developing story. Please check back with 8 News NOW.