Lyon County prepares for potential impacts of Coronavirus

The Lyon County Board of Commissioners and Dr. Robin Titus, Lyon County Public Health Officer were briefed by staff and the Quad County Public Health Preparedness (QCPHP) staff on March 5, to discuss prevention and preparedness plans for any potential impacts from the Coronavirus (COVID-19.) QCPHP is a division of the Carson City Health and Human Services and provides services to Douglas, Carson, Lyon and Storey Counties.

CHHS is continuously monitoring the current outbreak of COVID-19, and has been in contact with Lyon County Emergency Management and leadership to keep information flowing to the public regarding any changes and precautions Lyon County residents should take. CCHHS is in constant communications with the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.)

Lyon County currently has a serious infectious disease plan, which would be implemented should the Coronavirus situation escalate. The plan includes tiers and trigger points that would allow for Lyon County to respond accordingly with the appropriate resources.

The immediate risk of COVID-19 to the general public is currently low. At this time, the general use of facemasks is not recommended in our communities. CDC does not recommend that people who are not sick wear a facemask. Facemasks should only be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of disease to others. CCHHS will update the public if this were to change.

Lyon County would like to remind the public that COVID-19 symptoms are very similar to the flu. It is “flu season” and the best way to minimize your risk of getting a respiratory illness, such as the flu, is to follow everyday preventive actions such as:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw that tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. Remember to clean your cell phone
• Wash your hands with soap and water often for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand    sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Use a tissue when opening doors or when using a shopping cart, gas pump, escalator or other common objects used by multiple people

To date, there is one confirmed or case of COVID-19 in Nevada, and 0 people under investigation in Carson City, Douglas, and Lyon counties.

A webpage has been created to keep the public informed. The website also includes fact sheet and information which can be easily printed and distributed. 

Visit: https://gethealthycarsoncity.org/novel-coronavirus-2019/ for the most current information and further updates.