Policing Coronavirus Offenders In Riverside County: App Launched

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Are you seeing nonessential businesses operating in Riverside County amid the coronavirus mandated shutdown? What about prohibited gatherings, or essential services that are not following proper social distancing guidelines?

A mobile app launched Thursday by Riverside County lets residents report offenders to officials.

The tool is designed to provide data to public health officials who are tracking the source of COVID-19 outbreaks in the county, according to officials.

“We must mitigate and suppress the spread of the coronavirus. This app will help identify hotspots that will lead to efficiently responding to businesses that are risking the health of the community,” said Chair V. Manuel Perez, Fourth District Supervisor.

RivCoMobile — which also provides services and information to residents — has a “Coronavirus” feature on the landing page. It can be used to make anonymous reports about possible violations of orders issued by the State of California and/or the County of Riverside public health officer.

The types of violations that can be reported through the app include nonessential businesses that are open, gatherings and failure by essential businesses to comply with health orders such as face coverings and social distancing for staff or patrons, according to the county. Users can provide the address and type of violation, as well as a photo.

“Unfortunately, we’ve received numerous reports of violations throughout the county. This data will allow us to map areas of noncompliance, where we anticipate there will be associated outbreaks of COVID-19 and a corresponding need for resources,” said Dr. Geoffrey Leung, Riverside University Health System.

RivCoMobile is available for both iOS and Android. Anonymous violation reports can also be made at www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus.