New coronavirus in Nevada: live blog

6:22 pm | May 5, 2021

Pandemic Creates Barriers to Getting Cancer Screenings
By Isaac Hoops / Natalie Van Hoozer

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, routine cancer screenings have declined nationwide. Health officials are encouraging Nevadans to talk to their providers about when it is safe to resume their cancer tests.

Even before the pandemic, cancer screenings in Nevada were below the national average. There is no data yet on how many cancer screens have been missed during the pandemic, but Amy Thompson has seen the problem firsthand. She is part of the Nevada Cancer Coalition.

“With COVID, it really had an impact on the resources available to people. And so, some of that has shrunk, making it harder for people to even find what they’re looking for. But we really want to encourage people to come back for their cancer tests and to see a doctor regularly to make sure people really stay on top of their health and everything it takes to get there.

Early cancer screenings are essential, according to the Nevada Cancer Coalition, because missed or delayed screenings could be life threatening.

Nevada lawmakers debate proposed public health care option
Through The Associated Press

Nevada lawmakers are considering creating a state-run health insurance plan that could compete with private insurance companies on the state health insurance exchange.

A proposal to establish what is called a “public option” drew support from progressive groups and opposition from hospitals and insurance companies at a hearing Tuesday in the Nevada Statehouse.

The promoters argued that a public option would offer low-cost plans to uninsured residents and said it would make the market more competitive and lower costs for all patients.

Industry groups were concerned about requiring providers to agree to additional insurance plans with below-cost reimbursement rates and said the proposal could deter doctors from working in Nevada.

May 4, 2021 | Regional updates

• Nevada’s COVID-19 vaccination rate continues to decline
• Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital in Elko Restricted Visitors Due to COVID-19
• Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies allow walk-in COVID-19 vaccines
• Nevada updates statewide mask mandate
• Nevada approves Washoe County’s revised COVID-19 reopening plan
• Truckee High School COVID-19 Outbreak

For ongoing updates on the novel coronavirus in Nevada, visit our related stories page.