Nevada’s Coronavirus Task Force Relaxing Criteria For Testing

Nevada’s coronavirus task force is relaxing criteria for testing and positivity rates that counties must achieve, to avoid the “Elevated risk” designation. The task force admits progress in containing the pandemic has reversed in the past few weeks, but say they have to balance the need to reopen business to avoid stalling the state’s economy, while preventing further spread of the virus. The new guidance requires counties to test more than 100 individuals per every 100,000 residents daily, and maintain positivity rates under 8% to avoid flagging. Previously, counties had to maintain positivity rates less than 7%. Washoe Health Officer Kevin Dick says he understands the desire to get back to normal, but we’re clearly not there yet, he’s not supportive of lower standards.