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Monday, May 18, 2026 at 2:58 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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C Comment author: Carl C. HagenComment 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 AMComment source: Storey County, Tesla partner to extend I-80 Patrick on-rampComment author: Alan ReederComment text: Great guy, laughed easily, had fun with his students, enjoyed our time together at FHS!Comment publication date: 4/23/26, 10:23 PMComment source: Howard David JacksonComment author: Jack & Nancy CookComment text: Wonderful man. Created a precious family with Linda. Will always respect and admire his contribution to teaching at FHS.Comment publication date: 4/18/26, 10:27 AMComment source: Howard David JacksonComment author: JeffDickersonComment text: Very well reported, even though our motion was denied.Comment publication date: 4/15/26, 11:05 AMComment source: Judge allows Fernley City Council to proceed with corrective agenda item in Lau expulsion caseComment author: Todd fossumComment text: Hi my name is todd fossum i'm clarence's stepson, I was wondering if he had any siblings. I think he said he had a sister that just survived cancer. If she can get ahold of me or any buddy, my number is 916. 3 4 3 1 1 7 7.Thank you have a blessed dayComment publication date: 1/16/26, 4:33 PMComment source: Clarence L Shields C Comment author: Carl HagenComment text: So just curious, what is the point of a franchise agreement if it is not exclusive?Comment publication date: 12/15/25, 4:18 PMComment source: Council approves non-exclusive franchise agreement for waste collection
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