Nevada Watch

Nevada health officials reported 1,642 new coronavirus cases and eight additional deaths on Monday, warning that the statewide surge shows few signs of slowing as the worst month of the pandemic comes to a close.

Gov. Steve Sisolak has issued Nevadans a clear ultimatum: Shape up in two weeks, or expect steps toward another shutdown meant to halt a recent surge in coronavirus cases.

The federal government is halting shipments of rapid COVID-19 tests to Nevada and seven other states until they use supplies already received.

The health care system could be “thrown into chaos” with “huge economic impacts” if the U.S. Supreme Court strikes down Obamacare, the program administrator in Nevada said.

Who gets counted as a COVID-19 death has been questioned for months, with no formal definition in place nationwide as officials adapt to a new disease’s destructive impact.

Beginning this week, uninsured Nevadans can enroll for health coverage on the state-operated exchange, which this year features more carriers and plans. The enrollment period began Sunday and extends through Jan. 15.

Out of the limelight of the global race to develop COVID-19 vaccines, public health officials in Nevada have been grappling with their own challenge: how to prepare to immunize residents across the state during a pandemic.

Nevada, Washington and Oregon have joined California’s COVID-19 Scientific Safety Review workgroup to independently review the safety and efficacy of any vaccines approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

After its troubled launch in 2013, Nevada’s health insurance exchange is kicking off its latest enrollment period on Nov. 1 with some long-sought stability and none of the drama that plagued the program in previous years.

Small Nevada businesses hurt by the coronavirus pandemic can get up to $10,000 to help cover operating expenses under a state grant program announced today.