Nevada was hit hard by confirmed positive COVID-19 cases and COVID related deaths in the first week of the new year. Also, frontline health care workers, emergency responders, and acute care hospital patients continue to receive the vaccine. 
Vaccines: In a recent message released by the Chief Clinical Officer for Banner Health, Marjorie Bessel M.D., she addressed a few questions regarding the distribution of the new COVID-19 vaccine, its safety, and effectiveness. 
According to Bessel, the CDC and state health departments have prioritized who can receive the vaccine first. This prioritization is important because it ensures that the health care community is in the best possible position to save the most lives. “At this time, health care workers, first responders, and those at highest risk of severe illness or death due to COVID-19 are at the top of the list,” wrote Bessel. “The good news is the vaccine will continue to be made available to other groups. Progression through these phases varies by state and county, with some moving forward before others.” 
Bessel also addressed the safety of the vaccine. “We want to assure you that the COVID-19 vaccines from BioNTech/Pfizer and Moderna, have been thoroughly vetted by a team of Banner Health physicians and pharmacists who found them to be safe and effective,” Bessel said. “Many who have received the first dose of the vaccine only experienced mild side effects, so everyone is encouraged to get it as soon as it becomes available.” More information on the vaccine’s safety may be found on the CDC website. 
Statewide COVID data: On January 5th, Nevada health officials reported 1,938 new positive COVID cases. Since the onset of the pandemic, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has reported a total of 273,393 cases. The number of individuals hospitalized with confirmed coronavirus totaled 1,739. Sixty deaths were reported on Tuesday, an all-time high for deaths in a single day in Nevada. Total cumulative deaths are now at 3,295. 
Despite what appears to have been a minor downward trend in cases and deaths over the last few weeks, health officials are concerned that Nevadans may soon face a spike in positive cases stemming from family and social holiday gatherings. It is recommended that residents remain vigilant and continue following Governor Sisolak’s mandates regarding masking, sanitizing, and social distancing. 
Local COVID update: In Churchill County, the number of active positive cases has continued to decline. However, the number of those hospitalized for COVID has increased over the last seven days. The total positivity rate for Churchill County is 8.23% as shown on the table.
During the Churchill County Commissioners meeting on Wednesday, county manager Jim Barbee reported that Walgreens and CVS pharmacies will be acting as the primary outlets for vaccinating residents 75 and older. Senior citizens in that age range are currently listed in Governor Sisolak’s Vaccination Playbook under Tier II, and are second in line to receive the vaccinations after health care workers, first responders, and acute care hospital patients. The county will provide more information as it is made available. According to Barbee, the county is also working with the school district to plan for the vaccination of district employees through the community testing site at the fairgrounds and that plan will be released once it is in place.
Churchill County School District (CCSD) COVID data: CCSD reported on Wednesday that two additional students have tested positive for COVID-19 over the holiday break: Middle School: two students and one staff member, E.C. Best: one staff, Lahontan Elementary: one student, and CCHS: one students. Neither students or nor staff have returned to campus. Additionally, all schools will continue to remain open for those enrolled in the AM/PM model. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the District Office at (775) 423-5184. The District will ensure that the students will transition into fully remote learning if necessary. 
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