Positive COVID-19 cases in Nevada top 5,200; deaths at 243

CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — The number of people in Nevada who have tested positive for the coronavirus topped 5,200 on Friday as state officials reported at least 243 reported deaths from the coronavirus outbreak.

Almost 44,000 people have been tested statewide and the number of new deaths from the COVID-19 respiratory illness has slowed, data from the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services showed.

Gov. Steve Sisolak on Thursday announced he may allow the reopening in mid-May of many businesses that were closed in mid-March after being deemed non-essential, and more outdoor spaces.

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

Sisolak said he will move into a first phase of reopening the Nevada economy when the state meets a number of goals, including 14 days of declining COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

Nevada appeared to reach a peak of people testing positive on April 24, Sisolak said, and health 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.