Gyms, Hotels, Bars Reopening In RivCo? Here's What's Required

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Riverside County is eyeing June 12 — the date when gyms, hotels, bars, some sports venues, and other businesses might be allowed to reopen under new guidelines released Friday by the state.

However, in an effort to prevent the further spread of coronavirus locally, Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Cameron Kaiser gets to make a final decision about the timing of any reopening, according to the state.

"All guidance is effective as of June 12 and should only be implemented with local health official approval following their review of local epidemiological data including cases per 100,000 populations, rate of test positivity, and local preparedness to support a health care surge, vulnerable populations, contact tracing and testing," the California Department of Public Health stated in a Friday news release.

During a local news briefing held Friday by county officials, Board of Supervisors Chair V. Manuel Perez said he had hoped to announce further reopenings in Riverside County, but local officials needed more time. Retail outlets, hair salons, dine-in restaurants and gaming facilities were among the businesses permitted to reopen countywide two weeks ago. An announcement on any further reopenings is expected in coming days from the county.

Per the state, the list of businesses and activities in Riverside County that might be able to resume June 12 include:

• Campgrounds, RV Parks, and Outdoor Recreation
• Hotels
• Cardrooms, Satellite Wagering Facilities and Racetracks
• Family Entertainment Centers
• Bars and Wineries
• Fitness Facilities
• Museums, Galleries, Zoos, and Aquariums
• Music, TV and Film production
• Professional Sports Training and Competition (no live audiences allowed)

(Click on the sector above to review the state guidelines for reopening and what is recommended for employees and patrons. The guidelines are applicable to counties like Riverside that have "attested to readiness.")

Even if Kaiser approves some or all the sectors to reopen locally, the overriding message from the state has been that the coronavirus is continuing to spread.

"Just because some businesses are opening doesn't mean your risk for COVID-19 is gone. We all need to continue to keep physical distancing, wash our hands and wear face coverings in public," said Dr. Sonia Angell, state public health officer and director of the California Department of Public Health. "As we continue to release guidance on how different sections can reopen with modifications, it is important to remember guidance doesn't mean 'go.'"

On Friday the state also issued interim guidance for reopening of schools, which include the recommendation that all school staff wear cloth face coverings (unless Cal/OSHA standards require respiratory protection).

"Teachers can use face shields, if available, which enable younger students to see their teachers’ faces and to avoid potential barriers to phonological instruction," the guidelines read.

Students should be encouraged to use cloth face coverings as well, according to the guidelines.

"Cloth face coverings are most essential in settings where physical distancing cannot easily be maintained, such as school buses or other settings where space may be insufficient," according to the guidelines.

Staggered school drop-off and pick-up times, and 6 feet of physical distancing in all campus areas, including classrooms, are also recommended.

Most local school districts have already been communicating with families on plans for reopening in the fall.

On Friday the state also provided updated guidance for daycare centers, day camps and casinos, some of which have already reopened in Riverside County.

As of Friday, 8,777 COVID-19 infections have been documented in Riverside County. That compares to 7,486 a week ago — a 17% increase.

The number of deaths attributed to coronavirus-related complications now stands at 355.

Those numbers reflect 474 new infections and 10 additional deaths in the last two days.

The number of coronavirus-related hospitalizations has remained relatively flat, hovering just above or below 200 on a daily basis.

More than 70 patients from Imperial County were admitted to Riverside County hospitals during the last two weeks of May. Riverside University Health System spokesman Jose Arballo told City News Service earlier this week that another 22 patients from Imperial County had either been transferred or walked into county hospitals since then, although he said it was unclear how many were still being treated.