Coronavirus Update For Riverside County: Numbers, News

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — With more than 17,000 coronavirus tests conducted in Riverside County, figures updated Friday afternoon show there are now 1,350 confirmed cases of the illness and 39 deaths across the region.

The numbers reflect a rise of 70 infections and six deaths over a 24-hour reporting period. Five of the new deaths were in the city of Riverside. Recovered patients now total 156.

See infections and death toll by city here.

In a press briefing Friday afternoon, Dr. Michael Mesisca, Riverside University Health System-Medical System, said the figures are inline with current modeling showing the county is on track to see more than 65,000 infections and 1,000 deaths by early May.

Infections, hospitalizations and ICU admissions are doubling every 4.5 days, according to the doctor.

The modeling is "still playing out" as predicted, and is "freakishly accurate," Mesisca said.

Of high concern are what health officials call "congregate living" — skilled nursing homes, dementia care, jails, and others facilities that house many people in close quarters. Overall, there are 327 such facilities countywide, Mesisca said.

Protocols are in place to protect patients, inmates and workers at these facilities, according to officials, but to date there have been several COVID-19 outbreaks.

RELATED: Abandoned By Caretakers, 83 Nursing Home Patients Evacuated

Bruce Barton, director for the County of Riverside Emergency Management Department, said Friday there are currently 2,200 spaces available countywide to house the homeless, and so far 300 people are sheltered.

RELATED: Hotels, Motels Providing Temporary Homeless Shelter In RivCo

Local hospitals have planned for a surge of COVID-19 patients, according to Mesisca. Up to four times more intensive care space is now available at existing hospitals, he said. An additional 250 hospital beds are also being provided at two temporary field hospitals to handle non-critical patients.

RELATED: Old Sears Store To House Field Hospital Amid Coronavirus: RivCo

Some of the extra space at hospitals is due to the widespread cancellation of non-life-threatening surgeries and medical procedures, said Kim Saruwatari, director, Riverside University Health System-Public Health.

Friday's press briefing also brought news that another county drive-up testing site is opening April 14 at the Lake Perris Fairgrounds, 18700 Lake Perris Drive. The site will operate 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.

The Perris facility marks the fourth county testing site. Other county drive-up sites are located in Indio, Lake Elsinore and Riverside.

Testing at all sites is by appointment only; call 800-945-6171 for more information.

A new mobile app was launched this week that allows residents to report instances of: nonessential businesses that are open during the mandated shutdown, gatherings, and failure by essential businesses to comply with health orders. During Friday's briefing, county spokesperson Brooke Federico said the county had received about 400 complaints as of Friday morning, but she clarified that citizens have been reporting alleged violators since restrictions were put in place.

It was also announced Friday that residents who are unable to pay their April 10 property tax installment may be eligible for a late-fee waiver. Residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic — whether financially or physically — must apply for the waiver by June 30 to avoid late penalties. During Friday's briefing, assistant Treasurer-Tax Collector Matt Jennings directed property owners to the county treasurer's website for further information.

Mesisca also said Friday that healthcare professionals who are not currently affiliated with a local hospital may want to consider volunteering to help the county during the COVID-19 crisis. Non-healthcare professionals are also sought. For more information, visit https://www.rivcoph.org/corona... and click on the Volunteer button.

Following Friday's press briefing, the county announced it would make a special allowance this weekend for drive-up religious services. READ MORE: Drive-up Religious Services Allowed For Easter: Riverside County

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