Michael Johnson, Ph.D., Director of the Community Health Division for Southern Nevada Health District, gives the press an update on the current cases of COVID-19 in Clark County, Friday March 13, 2020
Published Friday, March 13, 2020 | 1:01 p.m.
Updated Friday, March 13, 2020 | 3:26 p.m.
The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting eight new coronavirus cases, bringing the total to 16 in Clark County.
The people who preliminarily tested positive for the virus range in age from their 20s to 70s, officials said. At least two of the new patients were hospitalized, officials said.
"Based on current information, close contacts of these individuals are being identified or have been notified and are following self-quarantine procedures," the Health District said in a statement.
Three additional cases have been identified in Northern Nevada. So far, there have been no deaths in the state from COVID-19, the disease the virus causes.
Some of the new cases were detected through commercial lab testing, officials said. It was not clear how many tests Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp have conducted in Southern Nevada or their capacity.
The Health District has about 1,000 test kits available, with the capability of conducting about 60 tests a day, officials said. So far, it has conducted 223 tests.
Officials with the Health District said they have been in contact with Gov. Steve Sisolak’s office to request more test kits and have discussed the possibility of adding staff and getting more lab equipment.
“We’re doing everything we can to increase our capacity to be able to test as many people as possible, (and) at the same time slow the transmission,” said Dr. Michael Johnson, the district's director of community health.
The Health District said flu and other respiratory illnesses are circulating in Clark County, and not everyone who feels ill needs to be tested for COVID-19.
"Health care providers determine who should be tested based on an individual’s specific symptoms and circumstances. People who have mild symptoms such as a cough or fever should stay home and away from other people," the district said in a statment.
The Health District has also been in contact with Clark County municipalities and event organizers and has in many cases advised postponing large gatherings.
Of the previously reported cases in Clark County, at least two people remained hospitalized in serious condition and nobody has yet been reported as recovered.
The newly reported cases are:
• A man in his 20s who is isolating at home and is a close contact of a confirmed case.
• A woman in her 40s who is hospitalized in good condition.
• A woman in her 50s who is hospitalized in stable condition.
• A man in his 30s who is isolated at home.
• A woman in her 30s. No additional details are available at this time.
• A woman in her 70s. No additional details are available at this time
• A man in his 50s. No additional details are available at this time.
• A man in his 30s who is isolating at home.
CORRECTION: This story has been updated to reflect that there are 16 total coronavirus cases in Clark County. | (March 13, 2020)
