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Carson City health department no longer testing for COVID-19; could change if cases spike

UPDATE: Testing has resumed at CCHHS once a week by appointment only for those with symptoms. For more information, go here.

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Beginning Monday, Carson City Health and Human Services stopped all testing for COVID-19 at their location, causing confusion for some individuals on how and where they can receive tests if they fear they've been exposed.

According to Jessica Rapp, Public Information Officer for CCHHS, the decision to end testing is due to a decrease in demand for testing, and the increase in availability of testing throughout our community.

“At any time CCHHS may start up testing again if an increase in cases and disease transmission occur,” said Rapp. “The Epidemiology division is closely monitoring the increase in cases across the state and in the region. CCHHS encourages anyone who is feeling ill with the symptoms of COVID-19 to be tested.”

However, it’s important to note that not all COVID-19 testing will leave you without a bill. While the local urgent cares such as Renown and Carson Tahoe still have the ability to test for COVID-19, they will not do so unless an individual is presenting symptoms, and if they are, they will still require a fee to be seen, which, for those without insurance, can be around $250.

Local pharmacies such as Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid and more have some availability for COVID-19 testing, ranging from rapid tests to traditional lab-tests, but all appointments must be made online through their respective websites.

For those who do not have access to a computer or are without means or insurance, there are home tests individuals can purchase at pharmacies, but these have a much larger possibility of error, since individuals must set up the test themselves at home.

Throughout the pandemic, CCHHS has been in charge of collecting and analyzing the data regarding transmission, deaths, and vaccines. Rapp stated they will still be collecting data regardless of whether or not they will be testing at their facilities.

To learn more about CCHHS’s response to COVID-19, including updated data on transmission rates, visit https://gethealthycarsoncity.org/novel-coronavirus-2019/

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It's been a mixed bag of activity so far Wednesday with valley rain, Sierra snow and power outages extending throughout Carson City into Lyon and Douglas counties.

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Heading into Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019, events around the capital city include a Polka Dot Powerhouse lunch connect at Red's Old 395 Grill, "Get Fit with Fight Camp" at Yaple's Ballroom, the Navy League capital city chapter will celebrate veterans at its monthly meeting held at Gold Dust West, the Carson City School District seeks public input on its Strategic Plan at a community meeting, plus art showings, classes and more.

UPDATE 9:46PM: The condition of the male pedestrian, approximately 29 years of age, is unknown at this time, according to a Carson City Sheriff's Office sergeant. He was taken by ambulance to Renown Medical Center in Reno. The driver in the accident was not impaired, according to the sergeant. The Nevada Highway Patrol is assisting in the investigation.
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Carson City Fire Department and sheriff's deputies responded Tuesday evening to a vehicle accident involving a pedestrian near the 2500 block of North Carson Street.

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CARSON CITY — JOIN Inc. was one of five Nevada organizations chosen to receive a $175,000 investment from Google.org for its innovative proposal to create economic opportunity in the community. JOIN Inc. will launch Career Bound NV Success Skills, a training program designed to ensure Northern Nevadans have access to basic technology and employability skills training needed for successful employment.

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The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will begin the sale of Christmas tree permits on Monday, Nov. 25, 2019. Permits cost $10 each payable by cash, check or credit card. Please note, cash sales are quicker and allow for more efficient payment processing.

Eco-friendly fashion statements abound in Nevada and in the capital city as the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection’s Recycling Program announced the winners Tuesday of the 2019 Wearable Recyclables art contest.

Nevada Humane Society is asking for your help in finding homes for 1,000 dogs and cats during the Home 4 the Holidays Pet Adoption Drive, from Nov. 23 through Dec. 31.

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A 63-year-old caretaker was arrested Monday for suspicion of felony assault with a deadly weapon, preventing or dissuading a person to report a crime and battery, a Carson City sheriff's deputy report states.

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