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Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 8:00 PM

Churchill County reports first COVID-19 death

Churchill County reports first COVID-19 death

Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter

The Churchill County man who was hospitalized last week with the county’s first confirmed case of COVID-19 has died.

The victim is a man in his 50s who had underlying medical conditions and was hospitalized at Renown Health last week. He died on Saturday, April 18.

The county is not releasing any additional information, citing privacy concerns.

On Friday, Churchill County announced two more positive COVID-19 cases. The patients are a man in his 60s and a woman in her 50s.

The Churchill County health district falls under the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services. The Nevada DHHS completes an exposure investigation with each positive case of COVID-19 reported in the county. Once the investigation is complete, DHHS contacts those who have possibly been exposed and provides guidance on their health situation.

Churchill County leaders are collecting COVID testing numbers on a regular basis from Banner Churchill Community Hospital, NAS Fallon, the Narag Fallon Family Clinic and the Fallon Paiute Shoshone Tribe and reports those cumulative totals as they come in on its website and social media platforms.

The county is urging residents to maintain social distancing of at least six feet with non-household family, friends, neighbors and members of the public and refrain from public gatherings of 10 or more people. They also ask again residents to adhere to the Governor’s request to stay home except for essential services like grocery shopping and medical appointments. Wearing face coverings in public is also recommended.

The county said residents who believe they have been exposed, or are exhibiting symptoms consistent with COVID-19, should call the Nevada Coronavirus direct line at (800) 860-0620 and complete pre-screening before going to a medical facility. They will be evaluated for their need for testing and assisted in obtaining testing if they meet the appropriate criteria.


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Comment author: Christopher Walsh Comment text: Could you look into the strong recurring smell around Fernley? It smells like sewage and it can be bad enough that people don’t want to be outside or open their windows. It would be helpful to get an investigative journalist help the Fernley residents get a clear answer from the City, NDEP, and any involved facilities. I was really disappointed that the smell was not disclosed by my realtor when I moved here. I enjoy Fernley and am seeing the improvements that are being made. With Appreciation Comment publication date: 9/12/26, 2:49 PM Comment source: Sewage spill near City of Fernley Municipal Well 9 Comment author: Alicia Euresti Comment text: We are all so blessed to have Pastor Matt and Mrs. Regina in this town. They have become a major part of pur family and our children adore them. Thank you both for all you do for qll of us. We love you!!!! Comment publication date: 9/6/26, 9:24 PM Comment source: Fascinating Fernley: Meet Your Neighbors at Living Faith Food Pantry Comment author: R Conley Comment text: Is the deputy receiving any additional training or reinforcing prior training? Comment publication date: 9/5/26, 10:08 AM Comment source: Inmate escapes from Fernley substation Comment author: Kayla Allen Comment text: Suzie was a wonderful woman. I was pleased to call her my "godmother" as she helped me to become a better version of myself. I think about her a lot. Comment publication date: 7/10/26, 8:31 PM Comment source: Susanne Lynn Foster Comment author: Sheena Nash Comment text: After the trivia night is over, I would love for you to print the questions. I grew up in Fernley and would be interested to see how many answers I know. The coin is beautiful. Congrats on 25 years as a city! Comment publication date: 6/22/26, 1:38 PM Comment source: City of Fernley planning 25th anniversary celebration with three days of community events C Comment author: Carl C. Hagen Comment text: Maybe there is more to this story than what is reported, but it seems to me that the businesses that are causing this problem ought to be paying for this, or at least a major portion of it. Why does the County have to pay the whole bill? Just my opinion. Comment publication date: 5/7/26, 10:26 AM Comment source: Storey County, Tesla partner to extend I-80 Patrick on-ramp