Children Sought For Coronavirus Testing In Riverside County

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Riverside County health officials are encouraging young people 25 and under to get tested for coronavirus because the group has been underrepresented in testing so far, the county announced Monday.

More than 73,000 people have been tested for the virus in Riverside County — at county- and state-run testing sites, clinics, hospitals and private facilities. Children 18 and under only make up 6.6% of the testing appointments at the county’s COVID-19 testing sites, yet, according to census data, the age demographic represents 25% of Riverside County's population.

“We would like to get a more complete picture of the illness as it has spread among young people,” said Kim Saruwatari, director of public health for Riverside County. “This will helps us better understand who in the community has the disease and how it might be moving among children and families.”

Children infected with COVID-19 generally seem to become less sick than other populations, according to data from around the globe. In Riverside County, 53 children ages 4 and under have tested positive for the virus, and 195 kids ages 5-17 have become infected. There are no COVID-19-related deaths reported in Riverside County minors.

The question of COVID-19 infection among children will likely become critical as local school districts consider reopening, although it's not clear when in-person classes will resume for K-12 students in Riverside County. Currently, a county public health order mandates K-12 school closures through June 19. Gov. Gavin Newsom has signaled he would like to see an early start to the 2020-21 academic school year — possibly late July.

The county currently operates four drive up testing sites — Indio, Perris, Riverside and Lake Elsinore — and those who want to be screened do not have to have symptoms, although they do need an appointment. Parent permission is required for testing of minors. For an appointment, call 800-945-6171.

Appointments are also required at the eight state-operated walk-up testing sites spread

throughout the county. To make an appointment at the state sites go online, click here, or for those without internet access call 888-634-1123.

“Testing is for everyone, regardless of immigration status or insurance, and it is free,” said Riverside County Board Chair and Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. “Testing has been expanded to be available for those with and without symptoms, and we encourage our young people to get themselves tested at one of our many testing sites.”

There is no cost to the person being tested at either the county or state operated facilities.

On Monday, Riverside County health officials reported 150 new coronavirus cases and 12 additional deaths, bringing the countywide totals to 5,189 confirmed cases and 217 deaths. The total number of tests conducted stands at 73,149.

One-hundred, ninety-nine people are hospitalized with the virus, which includes 74 patients in ICU. The number of recovered patients has reached 2,645.