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County, health dept., Sparks split with Reno over mandating business closures

8:20 p.m. update:

Washoe County, the Washoe County Health District and the City of Sparks said late Monday they are not joining the city of Reno in mandating certain businesses to close by Friday.

But the health district said it's probably a good idea to go ahead and do so.

"At this time, the Washoe County Health District has no mandate to close any establishments in Washoe County," the health district said in a written statement. "The Health District supports business closures and cancelation of large public events to reduce risk of transmission of COVID-19, but it is not mandatory at this time."

Businesses in Sparks and unincorporated Washoe County are not being required to close, the statement said.

Reached by phone after the health district released its statement, Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve reiterated that Reno is mandating bars, nightclubs, gyms and restaurants to close by Friday.

Washoe County says it didn't instigate Reno announcement to close non-essential businesses

Shortly after Mayor Hillary Schieve's announcement that she would force all non-essential businesses to close, the Washoe County Health District sent an email to all of its employees saying it did not instigate the effort.

"Contrary to recent reports from the City of Reno, WCHD has NOT issued any mandate that all restaurants, bars, casinos, or gyms in Washoe County close due to COVID-19," the email said. "If you receive calls from the public, please advise them of this and let them know they can contact the City of Reno with any questions.

"We apologize for the inconvenience."

Spokesman Scott Oxarart said the email was sent to all employees because the county was getting "bombarded with phone calls from the public."

UPDATE: Reno Mayor Schieve clarifies non-essential businesses stoppage, updates deadline

After calling on all "non-essential" businesses in Reno to shutdown within hours in an effort to prevent the spread of the COVID19 virus during a Monday afternoon press conference, Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve later extended the deadline and narrowed the types of businesses that would be pressed to shut their doors.

Schieve, who earlier said, "People will die if we don't do this," posted a follow-up notice late Monday afternoon that limited the "mandatory, temporary closures" to "bars, nightclubs, gyms and restaurants," and reiterated an exception for restaurant delivery and carry-out.

In the follow-up notice Schieve said she expected businesses to "begin the process of winding down operations" with the goal of closing by Friday, March 20.

The follow-up statement from Schieve also said the closures would last until April 5, a date she didn't mention while making earlier order.

She also said decisions about closing casinos would be up to the Nevada Gaming Control Board, contrary to her earlier statement that casinos would be expected to close.

Already, major Las Vegas casinos such as those operated by Wynn Resorts and MGM Resorts International, have closed to limit the spread of the pandemic. Those decisions were made by those corporations, not by Clark County officials.

“I know there was some confusion around the announcement, so I just want to clarify that these are businesses where groups of people tend to congregate,” Schieve said in the follow-up announcement, which was a written statement. “Let me also clarify that all businesses are essential. I am simply trying to limit areas of high-exposure risk.”

During the press conference on Monday, Schieve spoke to reporters via conference call. She acknowledged closures would wreak havoc on the local economy and local governments' ability to maintain services in coming months.

But she said the sacrifice was necessary to limit the spread of the virus that experts say could overwhelm medical infrastructure without drastic measures to reduce community spread.

"I think we are in this very very critical time. This isn't easy but we have lives at stake," Schieve said. "People will die if we don't do this."

Schieve was unclear as to whether she expected the county health department would issue a mandatory order or make further recommendations that city officials were choosing to enforce as law.

But she said it's urgent for public officials, businesses and the general public to act fast because while there is an opportunity to slow the virus.

During the call, which also included Reno Police Chief Jason Soto and Fire Chief David Cochrane, Schieve acknowledged the city's limited ability to enforce a citywide, non-essential business shutdown.

But she said it's based on recommendations from the Washoe County Health Department and that more guidelines on how it would work and details on which businesses would be considered essential and allowed to remain open.

She said it's likely grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies and medical service providers would be considered essential and thus allowed to remain open.

However, she added that there may be exceptions for food delivery and curbside pickup.

"Any restaurant that can do delivery we are not shutting that down right now," Schieve said.

"We are under some strict timelines when it comes to this virus," Schieve said at the press conference. "This next two to three weeks is when we need to practice social distancing as much as possible."

City of Sparks is meeting about potential business closures

The city of Sparks was still in meetings as of 4 p.m. Monday to discuss their own response to potential business closures in the city.

“We heard about the announcement by the city of Reno but our managers are still in meetings to determine what the best approach is,” said Julie Duewel, city of Sparks spokeswoman. “With the situation changing every minute, we’re working with our regional partners and want to make sure that we are following the guidelines set by the Washoe County Health District and the CDC.”

Duewel says a decision could come as early as the end of the day on Monday.

This is a breaking news story and is being updated.

RTC continuing local bus service

Local bus service is continuing although there may be service delays, the RTC has announced.

The RTC is offering free transit on St. Patrick’s Day from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.

“Even though transit service is still available, current recommendations urge everyone to apply social distancing and proper hand-washing etiquette,” the RTC said in a statement Monday, encouraging people who show symptoms of illness to stay home.

The RTC said it disinfects buses daily and has increased the frequency of disinfection and sanitization efforts at transit centers with emphasis on cleaning high-touch areas in public areas.

COVID-19 threat elevated from low to moderate in Southern Nevada

LAS VEGAS – The threat of COVID-19 in Southern Nevada is no longer low.

“We’re moving into a moderate risk,” said Michael Johnson, director of community health at the Southern Nevada Health District.

The district is now reporting 35 cases in Southern Nevada, bringing the statewide total to 45 with nine in Washoe County and one in Carson City so far reported, and person with COVID-19 has died in Southern Nevada, the state's first pandemic death.

A Clark County man in his 60s died, according to the Southern Nevada Health District. He had been hospitalized and had underlying medical conditions.

At a press briefing Monday afternoon, Johnson offered this direction to the public:

“Everybody should be doing social distancing – practicing not having close contact with people,” Johnson said. “Everybody.”

The explosion of cases in recent days and lessons learned from watching other countries navigate the pandemic has led to the extreme disruptions and closures now unfolding in Southern Nevada, Johnson said.

“We’re trying to take preemptive actions to not overwhelm our health care system,” he said.

Southern Nevada Heath District giving update

The Reno Gazette Journal is monitoring the live press conference. Details will be added soon.

Courts postponing trials, naturalization ceremonies

All of Nevada’s federal court trials have been delayed until April 10 due to concerns over the coronavirus.

Officials with the U.S. District Court system in Nevada on Monday announced they would also postpone all “non-case related events” and naturalization ceremonies through the end of March, but said courts would look at ways to quickly reschedule the ceremonies.

All four of the Silver State’s federal courthouses have adopted new building entrance protocols meant to limit access for those most at risk of contracting the potentially deadly respiratory ailment.

More information about the changes is available at www.nvd.uscourts.gov.

Sisolak issues statement on first COVID-19 death in Nevada

Gov. Steve Sisolak issued a statement on Monday following news of the first coronavirus-related death in Southern Nevada:

“I was absolutely heartbroken to learn of our State’s first death related to COVID-19, a day that we knew would happen, but it doesn’t make that reality any less painful or difficult to face. Kathy and I, along with our fellow Nevadans, send our thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of this individual.”

Sisolak added

“I also want to reiterate that our health care workers and facilities are running on all cylinders to make sure that our patients are receiving the very best care. That is why we are encouraging all Nevadans to take proactive, precautionary measures against this virus. Please practice social distancing, avoid people who are sick, wash your hands often, and seek medical care if you do become ill. We are all in this together, and we will do everything we can as Nevadans to protect ourselves and to protect each other.”

Saint Mary's closing gym effective tonight

The Saint Mary's Fitness Center is closing starting at 7 p.m. and will remain closed until further notice.

"It is with a heavy heart and after a great deal of careful consideration, that we announce the temporary closure of the Fitness Center," the gym said in a statement. "This is out of an abundance of caution, and to assist with our nation’s preventative efforts regarding COVID-19.

The gym said accounts will be adjusted for the time that the Fitness Center is closed.

"As for our employees, we will be directing their services to Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center, in order to provide the very best services to our community during this difficult time. They will have the opportunity, moving forward, to not encounter loss of wage, nor work," according to the statement.

UNR, TMCC keep campuses open for now

In a memo sent Sunday night to all of the Nevada system of Higher Education Presidents Chancellor Thom Reilly said all of its eight colleges including the University of Nevada, Reno and Truckee Meadows Community College should stop face-to-face instruction by Wednesday.

This comes after Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak closed all K-12 schools in the state. Reilly, who oversees the state’s public colleges, had originally given schools until April 3 to have a remote learning plan in place and gave colleges freedom to decide if they would cancel traditional classes.

That has changed but residence halls, student services and daycares at UNR and TMCC, are still open.

UNR, TMCC and the University of Nevada Las Vegas and Western Nevada College are on spring break.

UNR previously announced that remote learning would being following spring break next week.

But campus operations are all still open including dormitories, dining halls, health centers and student support services.

“As we are trying to limit social interaction, students with the ability to live off campus are encouraged to do so,” Reilly said. “However, no student currently living in a dormitory shall be deprived of their room.”

UNR Spokesperson Kerri Garcia said the university’s Issues Management Team was meeting and there would likely be updates later today.

Washoe County: No mandatory daycare closures for now

Washoe County daycare facilities will remain open for now, according to Washoe County Health District spokesman Scott Oxarart.

“Right now, we don’t have any guidance to close childcare facilities,” Oxarart said Monday morning. “We are just asking everyone to be on heightened alert and make sure that the sick children are staying at home and that any sick workers are staying home.”

Oxarart said that the health district is evaluating the situation on a daily basis.

The health district is not currently advising the closure of gyms either, though Oxarart said patrons should minimize use of equipment and maintain a six-feet distance from others using the same facilities.

First Nevada death reported in Clark County

LAS VEGAS – A person with COVID-19 has died in Southern Nevada – the state's first pandemic death.

A Clark County man in his 60s died, according to the Southern Nevada Health District. He had been hospitalized and had underlying medical conditions.

“This loss of life is a tragedy, and we want to express our condolences to the family,” said Dr. Fermin Leguen, acting chief health officer of the Southern Nevada Health District, in a statement. “We must continue to emphasize how important it is to protect those who are most vulnerable to the impacts of the virus and urge our community to support the public health measures and recommendations that are in place."

The district is now reporting 35 cases in Southern Nevada, bringing the statewide total to 45 with nine in Washoe County and one in Carson City so far reported.

Boys and Girls Club closed for a week

The Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows has decided to close all facilities for at least a week, though many other child care facilities currently remain open.

“We feel it prudent to show our solidarity and close all Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows and Early Learning Center locations, effective immediately,” said CEO Mike Wurm in a Sunday night statement to parents.

The Boys and Girls Club will remain closed for at least a week, a spokeswoman said.

“We will evaluate next week's situation by the end of this week. At the moment we are devising plans to serve food out of Clubhouses and will announce that soon,” said spokeswoman Colie Glenn.

Full refunds and/or credits will be offered to every parent with a child signed up for the Boys and Girls Club Spring Break Program (March 16-20th). Sites will be closed until March 20th with certainty, and the organization will re-evaluate in regards to the following week.

Nevada DMV open; appointments required; friends, family asked to stay away

Beginning Monday, the Nevada Department of Vehicles in Reno, Carson and Las Vegas will only take customers with appointments because of concerns over the spread of COVID-19. Both Reno and Las Vegas DMV offices see more than 1,000 customers a day.

Only customers with appointments will be allowed in the waiting areas. Friends and family should remain at home.

For transactions that can be done at home or to book an appointment go to dmvnv.com.

Eldorado Resorts closing Midwest properties; no word on Nevada casinos

Nevada-based Eldorado Resorts is closing casinos in Illinois and Indiana due to concerns over the spread of the COVID-19 virus, a move it attributes to those states' gambling regulators.

The company announced the closures of the Grand Victoria Elgin in Elgin, Ill., beginning Sunday and the Tropicana Casino Evansville in Evansville, Ind., beginning Monday.

The company said the closures are for 14 days and in compliance with orders from state officials to limit mass gatherings to prevent spread of the virus.

The statements didn't address the company's Nevada properties nor did it state whether employees would continue receiving pay during the closures.

Also on Monday, outdoor retail cooperative REI announced it would close all 162 locations nationwide until March 27 to help limit spread of the virus. REI said employees would be paid during the closure.

Gov. Sisolak updates state amid outbreak

"We will undoubtfully face hardships," Gov. Sisolak said through tears during a 25 minute press conference, his second on Sunday that came just hours after announcing all K-12 school would be closed. “We will get through this challenging time.”

Five more cases were confirmed in Washoe County on Sunday, bringing the total in Northern Nevada to nine in Washoe and one in Carson City. Clark County had 16 reported cases as of Sunday.

Total Nevada coronavirus cases by county

Highlights from Sisolak briefing

Test kits

He said Nevada has not been provided with enough test kits to meet demand.

“We don't now the full extent of what we are dealing with," he said.

He said he has been in daily contact with Vice President Mike Pence's COVID-19 taskforce.

"We have made it as clear as humanly possible that we are in short supply," he said, adding that despite reports Nevada does not have enough. "Our federal delegation is working on helping us obtain those kits."

On closing schools

School employees will get specific guidelines from schools. Employees will still work and still get paid.

Food for students

Services for students on free and reduced lunch will continue, although details are still to be worked out. Meal availability programs will be released by school districts.

"Rest assured our children who rely on these programs will not go hungry during this closure," Sisolak said.

Not a snow day

"What you do over the next few weeks will directly impact your family’s health," Sisolak said when he was addressing students and that this should not be considered a snow day.

"This needs to be taken seriously," he said. "I am counting on you to step in and step up and show the rest of Nevada what you are made of."

Health of state workers

“I have signed an emergency resolution to expand authorization of paid administrative leave for state employees. I am directing agencies to wind down in-person (services) and move to online and over the phone services.”

Hiring freeze

There is a state hiring freeze and state agency expenditures should only be for emergencies.

Social distancing

"I am issuing the following directives that any employees that can work from home should do so," Sisolak said.

He also said ill employees must absolutely stay home and high-risk individuals, including seniors, should stay home and avoid contact with others. The capacity for public spaces will be reduced by 50 percent. He also encouraged faith leaders to postpone services if social distancing recommendations can't be met.

Gaming

"Individual properties are making individual decisions," he said about gaming partners' decision to remain open for business.

Sisolak said he is mandating that gaming properties have no more than three seats at table games. All gaming machines must be cleaned every two hours. Buffets must be served by employees. Gaming floors and other public areas must be in compliance with social distancing practices.

Day cares

Sisolak said future guidance would be coming as it relates to day care situations.

Coronavirus in Nevada:Timeline of virus' presence in Reno, statewide

Siobhan McAndrew tells stories about the people of Northern Nevada and covers education in Washoe County. Read her journalism right here. Consider supporting her work by subscribing to the Reno Gazette Journal.