nurse wearing mask and sanitizing hands

Evaluations for COVID-19 Symptoms

Please do not visit the emergency department to access COVID testing for symptoms that do not require emergency care.  Emergency departments are experiencing large numbers of patients presenting with COVID-like symptoms, which is resulting in longer wait times for all patients including those with emergency needs. If you are experiencing non-life threatening COVID symptoms, including a sore throat and stuffy nose, please stay home.  Consider these options to help assess your condition:


Frequently Asked Questions

  • Symptoms and Accessing Care

    Q: What are the COVID-19 symptoms I should look for?
    A: Symptoms for COVID-19 may appear 2-14 days after exposure, and can include:

    • Fever
    • Cough
    • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
    • Chills
    • Fatigue
    • Muscle pain or body aches
    • Headache
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Sore throat
    • Diarrhea
    • Congestion or runny nose
    • New loss of taste or smell


    Q: What do I do if I have symptoms related to COVID-19?

    A: If you are experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19, we are providing virtual options available to help assess your symptoms:

    • Schedule a Virtual Visit with your Renown primary care provider by calling 775-982-5000.
    • Schedule a Virtual Visit through Renown Urgent Care by logging into MyChart and selecting “Talk to a Doctor.” You can sign up for MyChart online if you do not already have an account or call our Customer Service Team at 775-982-2781.

    Your care team will help determine the appropriate level of care for your symptoms, which may include a COVID-19 test. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please seek immediate medical attention or call 911.

    Q: When should I seek care if I have symptoms related to COVID-19?
    A: If you have any of the following emergency warning signs, the CDC recommends that you seek immediate medical attention*:

    • Trouble breathing
    • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
    • New confusion or inability to arouse
    • Bluish lips or face

    *This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your provider or seek care if you are experiencing other severe or concerning symptoms

    We are recommending you contact your provider for guidance if you develop any of the following symptoms:

    • New or worsening cough
    • Shortness of breath
    • Fever
    • Unexplained muscle aches
    • Extreme fatigue
  • Prevention & Resources
    Download, share or print these visual guides (PDF)

    Q: What can I do to avoid getting COVID-19?
    A: As this situation continues to evolve, please stay informed about the changing advisories, restrictions or guidelines provided by local, state and federal authorities. Visit washoecounty.us/covid-19 for updates related to Washoe County. You can personally adopt several behaviors as recommended by the CDC:

    • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
    • Avoid touching your face, including nose, eyes and mouth, with unwashed hands.
    • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you couch or sneeze. Throw the tissue away, and then wash your hands with soap and water.
    • Avoid close contact with others who are sick.
    • Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces.
    • Practice physical distancing by staying at least 6 feet away from other people.

    Q: What should I do to keep my family and others safe if I am sick?
    A: If you have symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath, please help prevent the spread to others:

    • Stay at home when you are sick. Do not travel or go to work. Leave the house only if you are seeking medical care.
    • If you have symptoms related to COVID-19, you should contact your healthcare provider and remain at home for 14 days.
    • Maintain social distancing from others in your household. If possible, stay in a specific room and use a separate bathroom. Avoid handling pets.

    Q: What screening is in place to ensure the safety of Renown’s employees and patients?
    A: Patients with scheduled appointments at Renown are being pre-screened with a series of questions before entering one of our locations. In addition, all people entering a Renown location must bring and wear a face mask. Homemade masks, surgical masks or N95s (typically worn by healthcare workers) are approved masks. Our employees have been asked not to travel outside of the area, and those who are able are working from home. Employees who continue to serve the community by coming to a Renown location are asked a series of screening questions before their shift begins.

    Q: What kind of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are Renown employees using?
    A: Renown Health continues to safely screen, diagnose and care for all patients, including those with respiratory illness and coronavirus (COVID-19). This includes providing our staff with the proper Personal Protective Equipment based on the most current clinical standards and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

  • Accessing Other Services at Renown

    Q: Is it safe to go to Renown for an appointment or issue that’s not related to COVID-19?
    A: Yes. Renown Health continues to safely see and care for all patients. Please call 775-982-5000 or login to MyChart to schedule your appointment. Before your scheduled appointment, you will be asked some screening questions to ensure the safety of yourself and our care teams.

    Q: What appointments are currently available at Renown Health?
    A: We are currently scheduling appointments and seeing patients for all appointment types. Many appointments are available virtually and some same-day times may be available. Please call 775-982-5000 and our scheduling team will help you find the right appointment type for you.

    Q: Can I still go to Renown Urgent Care?
    A: Yes. You can continue to Book Ahead for Urgent Care or walk-in for an appointment. Please check our current list of Urgent Care locations. If you are experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath, we recommend you get in line for a virtual urgent care visit by logging into MyChart and selecting “Talk to a Doctor.” You can sign up for MyChart online if you do not already have an account.

    Q: How do I get a prescriptions refilled from my Renown provider?
    A: Log into MyChart to securely request a prescription refill through our online patient portal.

    Q: Can I visit a loved one while they are at Renown?
    A: Patients can designate one healthy adult, who may be a friend or relative, to be their Patient Supporter when they come to Renown. This person is invited to be a partner in their care and visit during their medical visit, surgery, birthing or hospital stay. See full guidelines and visiting hours here.

  • Tips for Local Businesses
    As more businesses re-open and our community returns to work and other activities, you can help prevent the spread of germs by following simple but effective prevention measures, including:
    • Request that everyone wears a mask before entering your location
    • Limit the number of people in your business or work area
    • Establish a daily screening process for your employees to ensure everyone's health and safety
    • Establish social distancing guidelines and provide visual markers
    • Ensure cleaning and sanitation products are available for your employees and customers

    We recommend these resources for additional information for you and your employees: