Coronavirus Uptick Prompts Lake Elsinore City Hall Closure

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — The city of Lake Elsinore is closing City Hall for at least three to four weeks in response to a rising number of coronavirus cases countywide.

The shutdown begins Monday, July 13, the city announced.

In shuttering, Lake Elsinore is following the county's lead. On Wednesday it was announced that county services will again be primarily offered through online methods, over the phone or by mail due to a COVID-19 uptick. The county closure also begins July 13 with no reopening dates set.

The county and cities across the region closed government facilities in March due to the statewide stay-at-home order, but reopened in June.

Riverside County has seen a sharp increase in the number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. On Thursday, the county reported its highest single-day number of new COVID-19 cases at 1,377. The total number of cases stands at 23,334 as of Friday morning, with 9,246 of those people having recovered from the virus.

Another 18 patients were added to the county's COVID-19 death toll Thursday, bringing the total to 533.

Hospitalizations were reported Thursday at 513 patients — 117 are in ICU, according to county data.

In Lake Elsinore, 407 coronavirus cases and 10 virus-related deaths have been reported. In Lakeland Village, 71 cases and one death are reported.

"The City is trying to do its part to slow the spread of COVID-19 and encourage our residents to stay vigilant and take all steps necessary to protect themselves and their families, including following mandated public health orders," a city statement about the latest closure read. "We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding during these unprecedented times."

All city services will continue to be provided. An online portal for Lake Elsinore residents and businesses is available here. In addition, City Hall can be reached by phone at 951-674-3124.