Coronavirus updates: Washoe reports four deaths — highest single day increase yet
This is a breaking news story and will be updated throughout the day Friday, May 29. This story is part of the Reno Gazette Journal’s essential COVID-19 coverage and is being provided for free. Please consider subscribing to the RGJ to support our work.
Washoe reports four deaths — highest single day increase
"Four COVID-19-related deaths were reported in Washoe County on Friday, bringing the death toll from the virus to 59.
Friday’s total was the most deaths reported in a single day.
The county’s Regional Information Center said those who died were three females in their 80s (all with underlying health conditions) and a male in his 60s.
It is unknown if the male had any medical conditions.
The county also recorded 22 recoveries and 17 new cases.
In all, there have been 1,531 reported COVID-19 cases in the county, with 616 of those classified as active. A total of 856 recoveries have also been recorded.
Las Vegas: Venetian, Palazzo to open June 4; Harrah's returns June 5
2:00 p.m.
After COVID-19 shuttered the Strip for almost three months, the Venetian and Palazzo towers will reopen at the same time next week.
Both Las Vegas Sands properties will open at 9 a.m. on June 4.
“While our doors have been closed, we have been busy preparing for this very moment,” said Venetian CEO George Markantonis in a statement.
Caesars Palace and Flamingo Las Vegas also will reopen to the public on June 4. Several retail and dining outlets along The LINQ Promenade will open, as well as the High Roller Observation Wheel.
More:Las Vegas' Venetian and Palazzo towers will reopen June 4
Caesars Entertainment will open a third property on the Las Vegas Strip next week in the wake of the COVID-19 shutdown.
Harrah's Las Vegas will open June 5 at 11 a.m. – one day after the return of Caesars Palace and the Flamingo.
“Initial customer demand to visit the Las Vegas Strip has been much stronger than anticipated, triggering our decision to reopen Harrah’s Las Vegas,” said Caesars CEO Tony Rodio in a statement.
More:Las Vegas' Harrah's to reopen on June 5
142 new cases, 4 deaths from COVID-19
10:16 a.m.
The number of known cases of the coronavirus in Nevada jumped by 142 to 8,350, according to data announced by the Department of Health and Human Services on Friday morning.
The number of deaths increased by four to 410.
The state's test positivity rate has fallen to 6.2%, the 26th straight day of declining positive rates.
Esmeralda and Eureka counties are the only two of Nevada's 17 counties which have no identified cases. Lincoln County announced its first two cases earlier this week.
Waste Management to resume collection of excess waste June 1
9:55 a.m.
Waste Management crews will once again collect bags marked with excess waste stickers during routine waste collection, the company announced Friday.
Collection of excess waste placed outside the standard garbage carts had been suspended earlier this year due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Customers in Sparks and unincorporated Washoe County may also leave up to six additional excess waste bags without stickers during the month of June. The annual Spring excess waste program, which normally occurs in May, also had
Washoe County unveils guidelines for Phase 2
Friday, 9:35 a.m.
Washoe County, along with the rest of Nevada, enters Phase 2 of the reopening of businesses today. Businesses previously excluded from reopening — including bars, gyms, theaters, spas and houses of worship — will be permitted to reopen their doors.
The county has issued guidelines for both consumers and businesses; here's what the reopening will look like.
More:Here's what Washoe's reopening will look like, according to county guidelines
Las Vegas' Fremont Street Experience to reopen June 3
Friday, 9:45 a.m.
LAS VEGAS – Visitors will be able to walk beneath Downtown’s famed Fremont Street Experience canopy once again.
Starting at 9 a.m. on June 3, the pedestrian mall dotted with street performers, retail shops and access to casinos will reopen more than two months after COVID-19 shuttered the city.
The Viva Vision canopy – 1,500 feet long, 90 feet wide and suspended 90 feet above Fremont Street – will display a 144-hour countdown to the moment casinos reopen at 12:01 a.m. on June 4.
More:Las Vegas's Fremont Street Experience reopening June 3
Washoe County reports 29 new cases, 1 death
Thursday
The Regional Information Center is reporting 29 new positive cases and one death from COVID-19 in Washoe County.
The recent victim was a man in his 60s with underlying health conditions, officials said in a news release.
The recent jump in positive cases brings the total to 1,514. Officials also reported 21 new recoveries.
In total, there have been 55 deaths, 834 recoveries, and 625 active cases.
Currently, there are 60 people hospitalized and 124 people have been discharged from the hospital.
In total, 23,932 tests have been performed since Thursday.
Peppermill, Atlantis reopening on June 4
Thursday
Two Reno hotel-casinos announced on Thursday that they are officially reopening their doors on June 4, with one property already performing COVID-19 tests on employees today before they are allowed to return to work.
The Peppermill Resort Hotel and the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa will reopen on Thursday next week as part of Gov. Steve Sisolak’s Phase 2 plans for reopening the state. Both properties have been closed since the governor ordered a mandatory shutdown of all nonessential businesses in March.
“Since the official announcement, we have been very encouraged by the hotel bookings we have received so far,” said Peppermill General Manager Billy Paganetti. “We have worked hard to enhance our already robust health and safety protocols, and can’t wait to offer the service and amenities that everyone has come to expect from us.”
Read the full story:Peppermill, Atlantis reopening on June 4. Atlantis testing
Nevada hospitals to again allow visitors
Thursday
Hospitals in Nevada will again be having visiting policies for patients who do not have COVID-19, according to the Nevada Hospital Association.
As the state continues to see a decline in COVID-19 patients and begins to move into Phase 2 of Governor Sisolak’s Nevada United: Roadmap to Recovery, Nevada hospitals are beginning to allow visitors for non-COVID19 patients with limitations,” said CEO of the Nevada Hospital Association Bill M. Welch.
Specific policies for Renown Health, Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center and Northern Nevada Medical Center were not immediately released.
Safety measures for visitors include a health screening, limited visitors, social distancing policies and wearing a mask.
95 new known cases in Nevada; positive test rate drops
Thursday
The number of Nevadans who have tested positive for COVID-19 increased to 8,208, according to data released Thursday morning on the Nevada Health Alliance dashboard.
Thursday's numbers represented an increase of 95 cases since Wednesday morning's initial numbers. The number of fatal cases stands at 406.
More than 150,000 tests have been administered in Nevada since the beginning of the pandemic. After reaching a peak positivity rate of 12.2% in late April, the rate of positive tests has dropped to 6.3%.
CVS rolls out drive-thru testing at 2 Reno locations
Thursday
CVS Pharmacy announced Thursday that it will begin free drive-thru testing for COVID-19 at five Nevada locations beginning Friday, May 29, including two in Reno and three in Las Vegas. The additional sites are part of the company's efforts to establish 1,000 testing sites in 30 days by the end of May. The newly announced Reno locations are:
- 1695 Robb Drive, Reno
- 55 Damonte Ranch Parkway, Reno
- 3290 South Fort Apache Road, Las Vegas
- 7285 South Durango Drive, Las Vegas
- 8116 South Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas
Patients will administer their own self-swab tests under the observation of a pharmacy employee. Results will be provided in about three days. Patients must register in advance by scheduling an appointment at cvs.com/minuteclinic/covid-19-testing.