COVID-19 Infections Rise Sharply In Riverside County

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — The number of new coronavirus cases reported over the last week in Riverside County was 6,837 — it's a seven-day figure that's more than double what health officials were seeing in early December.

As the holidays close out this weekend and more people gather indoors amid cold winter weather, a further spike in infections is likely. All cities and unincorporated areas in the county are currently reporting new cases.

Riverside University Health System data show that daily new COVID-19 cases are now trending higher than the summer surge attributed to the Delta variant. However, new infections are still much lower than last year's winter surge.

The highly contagious omicron variant has been detected in Riverside County, according to RUHS. It was first reported in the state on Dec. 1.

According to RUHS data, total COVID-19 cases countywide stood at 394,959 Tuesday — it's an increase of 1,995 cases since Monday's reporting.

COVID-19 testing sites continue to be available at pharmacies and medical facilities across Riverside County, but at-home rapid-result test kits are largely out of stock on retailers' shelves. The prevalence of at-home testing indicates the true number of new infections is likely much higher countywide because at-home test results are not tallied in the county figures.

The number of COVID-19 patients in Riverside County hospitals increased to 387 on Tuesday, up by 16 patients since Monday. The number of those total patients in intensive care decreased to 81, down 7 from the previous day.

A total of 5,555 deaths from COVID-related complications have been recorded in the county since the pandemic began, an increase of six deaths since last week's RUHS reporting. The fatalities are trailing indicators because of delays in processing death certificates and can go back weeks, according to health officials.

County health officials continue to urge full COVID-19 vaccination and a booster shot to fend off serious illness that can lead to hospitalization or death in some cases. RUHS data show that 58.2 percent of the county's population 5 years of age and older are fully vaccinated, while 21.2 percent of people 16 and older have received a booster dose. To get more information or to schedule vaccination, click here.

Face masks are now required to be worn in all public indoor spaces across the county and state, regardless of vaccination status.