COVID-19: Riverside County Orders Large Public Events Cancelled

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — In an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus, all large events across Riverside County are being cancelled following an announcement Thursday by the county's public health officer.

The county order — which impacts public gatherings of 250 people or more — mirrors recommendations issued Wednesday evening by the California Department of Public Health.

“These restrictions may seem harsh, given the relatively low number of coronavirus cases in Riverside County, but they are necessary if we are going to stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Cameron Kaiser, who Sunday declared a public health emergency after announcing the county’s first locally acquired COVID-19 case.

“I do not take these restrictions lightly and clearly they will impact many in organizations and individuals in the community. We’re in this together and I believe they’re necessary to slow and eventually stop the spread of COVID-19,” Kaiser said.

Riverside County has eight confirmed COVID-19 cases — six in Coachella Valley and two cruise ship passengers who have not returned to the region since being diagnosed.

Kaiser is urging seniors and those with underlying health issues in the Coachella Valley to limit non-essential travel.

One of the Coachella Valley cases is considered “community spread,” meaning health investigators have not determined the source of the infection.

County health officials are working with local school, city and nonprofit organizations to provide guidelines on how the new restrictions will be implemented.

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