Riverside County's Christmas Eve Coronavirus Update

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Another 1,276 coronavirus cases and two dozen additional deaths were reported Thursday in Riverside County, as hospitalizations edged higher.

The total number of COVID-19 cases recorded since the public health documentation period began in early March is 158,110 compared to 156,834 on Wednesday, according to the Riverside University Health System.

The number of deaths stemming from virus-related complications stands at 1,829. The death figures are trailing indicators because of delays processing death certificates coded as COVID-19, according to health officials. Reporting periods can go back several weeks.

The RUHS reported 1,327 COVID-positive hospitalizations countywide, up by five from a day ago. That number includes 255 intensive care unit patients, eight more than Wednesday.

Last week, Emergency Management Department Director Bruce Barton told the Board of Supervisors that about 40% of all hospitalizations countywide are tied to COVID-19. ICU beds are the greatest concern now, he said, with the county's general and acute care facilities technically at maximum occupancy.

Barton said hospitals are resorting to "surge capacity" plans to expand critical care space wherever possible.

At the Riverside University Medical Center in Moreno Valley, some non- emergency pediatric cases are being referred to Loma Linda University Medical Center to reduce the county hospital's load.

The 11-county Southern California region's available ICU capacity is officially at 0%.