KUNR Public Radio: Local News Feed

Coverage of novel coronavirus is supported by the Mick Hitchcock, Ph.D., Project for Visualizing Science , a science reporting project from the Reynolds School of Journalism . There have been 15 COVID-19-related deaths in Washoe County so far. A third of those deaths are tied to two state-regulated facilities in Reno. KUNR News Director Michelle Billman checks in with Anh Gray, KUNR's public health reporter, for more information about those two outbreaks.

The U.S. Congress is putting together another stimulus package — its fourth — in an effort to lighten the heavy effects of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Catherine Cortez Masto is one of Nevada’s senators. She spoke with KUNR’s Bree Zender about what’s in the works.

Coverage of novel coronavirus is supported by the Mick Hitchcock, Ph.D., Project for Visualizing Science , a science reporting project from the Reynolds School of Journalism . In mid-march, The American Association of Medical Colleges recommended that medical schools suspend clinical rotations because of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Coverage of novel coronavirus is supported by the Mick Hitchcock, Ph.D., Project for Visualizing Science , a science reporting project from the Reynolds School of Journalism . Lakeside Health and Wellness Suites is a residential nursing care facility in Reno. The state is currently investigating 43 confirmed cases of COVID-19 there. Four residents have died.

Washoe County is prepared for a surge of COVID-19 patients who cannot self-isolate. If a homeless person living in the Downtown Reno Events Center develops COVID-19 symptoms or diagnosis, they lack the ability to self-isolate. Likewise, an infected individual living with an elderly or immune compromised person may struggle to find a safe place to wait out the sickness.

This story was powered by America Amplified , a public radio initiative. Americans have faced world wars, economic recessions, and even other pandemics. Some people have lived through all three. I sought out senior citizens to see how the COVID-19 pandemic compares to other crises – and what we might be able to learn from them.

Later this month, the Washoe County School District Board of Trustees is expected to name Kristen McNeill the permanent superintendent. The decision comes after the board abruptly ended a monthlong national search amid the COVID-19 pandemic. KUNR’s Paul Boger spoke with Board of Trustees President Malena Raymond about the decision and what the district is doing to get community feedback before McNeill’s appointment.

Many small businesses in rural Nevada are changing how they operate as a result of the novel coronavirus pandemic. In Gardnerville, several small businesses are grappling with these challenges.

It’s been weeks since Governor Steve Sisolak ordered all nonessential businesses to close across the state. But there's still confusion around what is considered essential and how those closures are being enforced. KUNR’s News Director Michelle Billman recently spoke with Noah Glick, KUNR's reporter for the Mountain West News Bureau, to break it down.

Coverage of novel coronavirus is supported by the Mick Hitchcock, Ph.D., Project for Visualizing Science , a science reporting project from the Reynolds School of Journalism . The COVID-19 pandemic has moved the education of students at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine online. To help during the crisis, more than 70 of them are now volunteering throughout Northern Nevada.