3 New Coronavirus Cases Confirmed In Riverside County

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Health officials on Monday announced three new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Riverside County, bringing the county's total to six.

All three patients had either traveled to areas where COVID-19 has been spreading or had contact with another known case, County Health Officer Dr. Cameron Kaiser said in a news release.

Two of the patients have been isolated at home and a third is being treated at Coachella Valley Hospital.

Monday's announcement came one day after the county announced its first locally acquired coronavirus case, a person being treated in Rancho Mirage. The county declared a local health emergency after announcing the case.

Eisenhower Health, where that patient is being treated, announced a coronavirus hotline on Monday that residents can call to ask about symptoms. The number is 760-837-8988, and will be staffed by nurses 24 hours per day.

Officials also announced Monday that a second Riverside County resident who was a passenger on the Diamond Princess cruise ship has tested positive, and is being treated at a Northern California hospital. This patient, along with another cruise passenger whose case was announced over the weekend, have not been to Riverside County since they left the ship.

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“We are very concerned for the individuals who have contracted the virus in Riverside County,” Kaiser said. “We wish these folks, and the two residents in Northern California, a full recovery. Our thoughts are with them and their families at this time.”

Murrieta Valley High School closure

Meanwhile, Murrieta Valley High School was closed Monday as the school awaited results for an employee who was being tested for the virus. Those results are expected by mid-week, according to officials.

The employee had recently traveled to a country where the virus was present, Murrieta Valley Unified School District officials said.

A s a precaution, the county Department of Public Health issued exclusion letters to 71 students, ordering them to self-quarantine because they may have interacted with the employee, who is undergoing treatment at an undisclosed facility.

"While I want to reassure the students, families and staff at MVHS that the risk of transmission is low, I support the school district's decision to temporarily close the school until testing is complete," Kaiser said.

Parents or guardians of students exhibiting any signs of illness were asked to alert the school district. Coronavirus bears similarities to the flu, including high fever, coughing and respiratory difficulties.

Indian Wells tennis tournament canceled

The county's emergency declaration caused organizers on Sunday to cancel the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden — the annual tennis tournament often referred to as the fifth major.

The tournament had been scheduled to begin draw play Wednesday, with many players arriving early to practice and get a feel for the courts at Indian Wells, organizers said.

A statement issued by organizers quoted USC professor of Medicine and Bioengineering Dr. David Agus.

"There is too great a risk at this this time to the public health of the Riverside County area in holding a large gathering of this size," Argus said.

The tournament may be rescheduled to a later date, according to officials.

Staying safe

To help stop the spread of the virus, health officials are urging Riverside County residents to take these safety measures:

• Practice social distancing: avoid large gathering places and try to avoid using public transportation
• Don't go to work, school, or other events when sick
• Cough into your elbow or tissue
• Wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer often
• Stay away from anyone who is sick

At-risk people, which includes the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, are urged to limit non-essential travel and avoid large public gatherings.

City News Service contributed to this report.

Related coverage:

• Riverside County Declares Emergency After COVID-19 Case Confirmed
• RivCo Coronavirus Patient Being Treated In Rancho Mirage
• Murrieta High School Employee Tested For COVID-19; School Closed
• BNP Paribas Open Cancelled Due To Coronavirus: Indian Wells