60 COVID Deaths Reported This Week In Riverside County

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — The number of newly reported coronavirus deaths this week in Riverside County stood at 60, while hospitalizations dropped by 23 patients.

According to Riverside University Health System, a total of 5,194 deaths from virus-related complications have been recorded in the past roughly 19 months — an increase of 60 people since one week ago. The fatalities are trailing indicators because of delays processing death certificates and can go back a month or longer.

COVID-related hospitalizations countywide stood at 220 Friday, compared to 243 one week ago. Of the total, 54 patients are in intensive care, down by two patients since last Friday, according to RUHS data.

The total number of COVID cases recorded since the pandemic began in March 2020 stood at 364,821 Friday, an increase of 2,818 new cases reported over the last week.

RUHS officials began administering booster shots Tuesday for people who originally received either the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccines. Federal officials have issued emergency use authorization for the booster shots.

For those who received the Johnson & Johnson shot, boosters are available for people 18 years or older and who received their original dose no sooner than two months ago.

For those who received the two-shot Moderna vaccine, boosters are available for people 65 or older, 18-64 years old with underlying medical conditions or who are at increased risk of COIVD-19 exposure due to occupational or institutional settings. People must have received the last dose of the original Moderna vaccine at least six months ago to qualify for a booster.

"This is one more important step in getting us through the pandemic," said Dr. Geoffrey Leung, Riverside County public health officer. "There also continues to remain opportunities for those who still need an initial dose to receive it at any of our community clinic and provider locations throughout the county."

According to RUHS officials, the mixing of booster doses was also authorized, meaning that people can choose from any of the three authorized boosters regardless of their previous vaccine.

To schedule a vaccination appointment, go to myturn.ca.gov/index.html.

According to RUHS, 60.4 percent of the county residents 12 and older are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19.