Washoe reports biggest daily jump in COVID-19 cases, nearly half come from nursing home

Washoe County reported the largest one-day jump in its number of COVID-19 cases, with one nursing home accounting for the bulk of the infections.

The total number of cases from the novel coronavirus reached 1,256 on Sunday, according to the Washoe County Health District. The 54 new cases represent the highest daily increase seen in the county to date, according to the health district.

The spike in the numbers was tied to an outbreak in COVID-19 cases at one nursing home in Sparks, as well as increased testing and socializing by members of the public. 

Arbors Memory Care, a residential state-licensed facility, accounted for nearly half of the new cases, the health district reported.

This is not the first time that a Washoe County nursing home was tied to an increase in COVID-19 cases. Earlier this month, the Reno Gazette Journal reported on a Reno nursing home, Lakeside Health and Wellness, accounting for 15 of the 30 total coronavirus deaths reported in Washoe County at the time.

Statewide, the number of novel coronavirus infections tied to nursing homes are even higher. As of Sunday, there have been 714 confirmed cases of COVID-19 from skilled nursing facilities and 80 from assisted living facilities, according to a state database. Of those, 462 involved residents while 332 were staff members.

More on this: Washoe County reports 54 new cases in biggest one day jump so far

Another death in Washoe County was also reported on Sunday. The 47th death in the county involved a woman in her 90s with underlying health conditions. 

The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office also confirmed on Sunday that one of its deputies tested positive for COVID-19. The deputy, the fifth employee of the agency to test positive, first reported symptoms of the disease on Thursday, according to Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam. A second officer who worked with the deputy was also tested but the results came back negative. Six other employees of the sheriff’s office who interacted with the deputy are currently under quarantine as a safety precaution.

The county expects to see a spike in COVID-19 cases tied to an increase in the number of people socializing outside their homes as well as increased testing.

Nevada saw its biggest daily increase in testing on Saturday, with 6,500 tests being performed.

Nevada also reported 195 new cases of COVID-19, with state totals rising to 6,857.

A total of 80,637 Nevadans have been tested for the novel coronavirus. Total deaths in the state as of Saturday afternoon were at 349.

Jason Hidalgo covers business and technology for the Reno Gazette Journal, and also reviews video games as part of his Technobubble features. Follow him on Twitter @jasonhidalgo. Like this content? Support local journalism with an RGJ digital subscription.

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