UPDATE 5 P.M.: Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak held a briefing and a press conference with local, state, federal, and tribal partners to provide information about monitoring and preparedness efforts related to COVID-19, also known as the 2019 novel coronavirus.
"I am pleased that we were able to provide a comprehensive briefing to the public related to the significant collaboration taking place all across the State to prepare and protect the health and safety of Nevadans," Gov. Steve Sisolak said. "Communication, knowledge, and transparency are key in this evolving situation, and we will be working diligently to ensure that accurate and relevant information continues to be shared with the public."
The following people also spoke after at Friday's press conference:
-Melissa Peek-Bullock, State Epidemiologist, Nevada Department of Health and Human Services
-Dr. Mark Pandori, Director, Nevada State Public Health Lab
-Dr. Fermin Leguen, Acting District Health Officer, Southern Nevada Health District
-Dr. John Novak, Chair, Washoe County Board of Health
-George Togliatti, Director, Nevada Department of Health and Human Services
-Richard Whitley, Director, Department of Health and Human Services
ORIGINAL STORY
Gov. Steve Sisolak is holding a press conference today to talk about the coronavirus and Nevada's plan to handle a possible outbreak. He will be joined by federal, state and local partners.
The Southern Nevada Health District says it is the agency that will take the lead if there is an outbreak in our area. Their staff has been in constant contact with the Centers for Disease Control.
However, it is not sharing any specifics about its plan.
Local hospitals like Southern Hills say they are on high alert. Any patient who comes in and is complaining of cold of flu-like symptoms will be asked to immediately put on a face mask. They will also be taken to a negative pressure room and isolated until symptoms can be diagnosed.
Sisolak will brief the media at 3:15 p.m. at the Grant Sawyer Building in downtown Las Vegas. 13 Action News will provide a live stream of the press conference.
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