Protect our Pack during Nevada Day weekend

October 28, 2020

This message was sent to students, faculty and staff at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Dear Wolf Pack Family

We have made impressive inroads over the past few weeks, with our number of weekly reported COVID-19 cases trending lower. With the Nevada Day Weekend fast approaching, we must remember there is a real potential for a rise in COVID-19 cases once the weekend is over. Our data so far this semester has shown that whenever there is a holiday weekend (Labor Day Weekend) or special observance (the first few days of the new semester and its related excitement for a new academic year), the number of COVID-19 cases rises.

We have an opportunity now concerning the Nevada Day Weekend to mitigate the spread and to Protect our Pack. Washoe County has become the new per-capita epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak in Nevada, reporting an all-time high for known active cases of COVID-19. Due to elevated transmission of COVID-19 in our community, the Washoe County Health District’s recommendation is that public gatherings be limited to 25 or fewer and private gatherings be limited to 10 or fewer. Since Washoe County is at an elevated risk, we must follow the additional restrictions put forth by the county, in addition to the guidelines set forth by the state [external PDF].

It is also important to understand the new definitions of close contacts released recently by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and to make positive choices. We can all make a difference in maintaining the health, safety and well-being of our Wolf Pack Family.

The CDC tells us that the more people an individual interacts with at a gathering and the longer the interaction lasts, the higher the potential of becoming infected with COVID-19 and COVID-19 spreading. The CDC is now defining a close contact as, “Someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to test specimen collection) until the patient is isolated.” This new definition recognizes the ease with which the virus can spread.

Let’s continue to make a difference by looking out for one another, avoiding large gatherings, practicing social distancing, wearing facial coverings and choosing to be mindful in how we celebrate Nevada’s 156th birthday. Stay connected, but don’t risk your health or the health of others in order to do so. Please, help us Protect the Pack.

Sincere regards, Brian Sandoval President