Positive COVID-19 cases in Nevada near 5,000; deaths at 243

CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — The number of people in Nevada who have tested positive for COVID-19 approached 5,000 as state officials reported at least 243 reported deaths from the coronavirus outbreak.

Officials reported 4,998 positive COVID19 cases as of Friday morning., with just under 37,000 negative tests results.

Gov. Steve Sisolak on Thursday announced that the state may allow the reopening in mid-May of many businesses that were deemed non-essential and more outdoor spaces.

But Sisolak said bars, casinos and shopping malls would likely stay shuttered.

Sisolak said he will move Nevada into the first phase of reopening its economy only if the state meets a number of goals, including seeing 14 days of declining cases and hospitalizations for the coronavirus.

Nevada appeared to reach a peak of people testing positive on April 24, he said, and state officials are watching closely to determine if cases continue to fall.

Most people with the virus experience symptoms such as fever and cough for up to three weeks. Older adults and people with existing health problems can face severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.