Coronavirus Hospitalizations Continue Decline In Riverside County

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Riverside County continues to see an uptick in coronavirus cases as widespread testing continues.

The county public health department reported Thursday an increase of 97 COVID-19 cases, bringing the total to 5,440 countywide. Deaths rose by seven to 235.

The number of COVID-19 hospitalizations countywide stands at 188 with 66 of those patients in ICU. On Wednesday, 206 residents were hospitalized, with 67 in ICU. Hospitalizations have been dropping — one week ago the number stood at 196. Riverside County Health Director Kim Saruwatari said there has been a general two-week "downward trend" of COVID-19 cases documented by hospitals countywide.

The number of recovered COVID-19 patients continues to climb — 3,254 as of Thursday, up by 224 people. The recoveries are up by 1,037 patients over last week.

While COVID-19 hospitalizations and recoveries are showing optimistic indicators, some hospitals are reporting a decrease in the number of non-COVID patients seeking critical care.

Patients seeking care at Temecula Valley Hospital for heart attacks and strokes have declined by 43% and 26%, respectively, compared to pre-COVID volumes, according to Temecula Valley Hospital spokesperson Merideth Allard.

"Critical care delayed — it is an unexpected side effect of the pandemic," she said.

"Unfortunately, we are seeing that people are delaying seeking medical attention. 911 calls for heart attacks and strokes have dropped at ERs across the U.S., as people avoid coming to the hospital for fear of getting exposed to COVID-19. As a result, some are dying at home," Allard said. "Getting immediate medical attention for heart attacks and strokes can not only save lives, but it can mean quicker recovery time and fewer complications."

To reassure the public, Allard said hospital officials have made it a top priority to ensure all patients feel safe when seeking care. The hospital has implemented additional safety protocols that include screening temperature checks before anyone is allowed to enter the hospital; deep cleaning and disinfection; suspended visitation; as well as practicing appropriate social distancing.

"We urge those in need of medical care to call 911 or go to their closest ER immediately," Allard said.

All hospitals within the county have resumed "non-emergency" surgeries that were previously postponed amid concerns of a COVID-19 hospitalizations surge.

Weekly Snapshot of COVID-19 In Riverside County:

While some of the statistics are encouraging, health officials will be watching to see whether an uptick in cases and hospitalizations will follow recent relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions. Public health officials have said that any impact caused by tightening or loosening of restrictions takes about 14 days to be felt. The County Board of Supervisors rescinded several county public health orders on May 8, including an order to wear face masks and social distance. Those board actions took effect the next day. Read more: Face Coverings, Distancing Orders Rescinded In Riverside County

Since last weekend, four Coachella Valley cities — Palm Springs, Coachella, Cathedral City and Desert Hot Springs — mandated that face masks and social distancing continue despite the board's actions. Read more: 4 Coachella Valley Cities Mandate Face Coverings, Distancing

COVID-19 testing is widespread around the county and is increasing. As of Thursday, the county reported 78,939 tests conducted. A week ago, the county reported just over 66,000 tests conducted. Related: Children Sought For Coronavirus Testing In Riverside County

All Riverside County residents — whether they are suffering from coronavirus symptoms or not — can now get tested at a variety of testing locations, including eight funded by the state that opened last week countywide. To get tested at these sites, which include Mecca, Norco, Desert Hot Springs and Hemet, appointments must be made at https://lhi.care/covidtesting.

Four drive-up testing sites run by county public health officials in Perris, Indio, Riverside and Lake Elsinore remain operational, which can be accessed if an appointment is made by calling 800-945-6171.