Nevada’s unemployment benefits call center in Las Vegas has closed for cleaning after officials said an employee tested positive for the new coronavirus.
The unidentified person was self-quarantined, the state Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation announced Sunday, adding that there was no immediate risk to the public because the facility had been closed to outsiders since mid-March.
Agency official Kimberly Gaa said claims usually handled by the Southern Nevada office will be routed to the unemployment insurance call center in Carson City, and the closure will remain in effect until coronavirus protocols are met.
Officials say the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance system and call center aren’t affected.
People filing regular jobless claims were advised to use online services as much as possible during non-peak hours such as early mornings, nights or weekends.
The state Department of Health and Human Services reported Monday that more than 28,500 Nevada residents have tested positive for COVID-19, including of 832 new cases reported Sunday. At least 593 people have died.
The number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick.
People age 20 to 29 make up the biggest share of the state's confirmed coronavirus cases, representing 22% of those who tested positive for the virus. Those aged 30 to 39 are the second biggest share at 19%, followed by those 40 to 49 at 17%.
People 60 and older make up 17% of confirmed cases. Those who are between 50 to 59 years old make up 15% of cases and the remaining 10% are 19 years old or younger.
Julia Peek, a deputy administrator with the state Division of Public and Behavioral Health, Community Health Services, said Monday that most of the new positives with the younger group of people have been to many places such as restaurants, bars and workplaces and exposed many people, making it difficult for contact tracers.
Peek said sometimes the tracers have to circle back to the people who tested positive because they need more time to compile a list of all the places they've been.
For most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms for up to three weeks. Older adults and people with existing health problems can face severe illness and death. The vast majority recover.