Coronavirus Update For Riverside County: Numbers, News

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Riverside County saw a jump of 344 coronavirus cases and 19 deaths related to the illness over the weekend. Monday's figures show a spike because COVID-19 statistics are no longer being updated on the weekends by Riverside University Health System-Public Health.

There are now 5,962 confirmed COVID-19 cases countywide and 261 deaths stemming from the illness, Monday's figures show. One-hundred, eighty-six people are hospitalized, a jump of four patients since Friday's update. Sixty-eight people are currently in ICU.

COVID-19 recoveries now stand at 3,833, and the number of people tested has been updated to 85,304.

The number of cases is expected to continue climbing as the county ramps up testing. On Monday it was announced that two new testing sites have opened in the county, bringing the total number to 14 sites (six are county-operated, eight are state-run).

Although the cases are increasing countywide, the number of hospitalizations has dropped in recent weeks — a key indicator to accelerate reopening of the local economy under new state criteria that were announced Monday.

"This is hopeful and positive news for local businesses in Riverside County, Southern California and across our great state," said Riverside County Board Chair V. Manuel Perez of the state's update. Riverside County is keeping its foot on the pedal and doing everything we possibly can to suppress the coronavirus and move the economy forward. This is an effort that has balance."

Under the newly announced criteria, Gov. Gavin Newsom said roughly 53 of the state's 58 counties would likely qualify to move deeper into phase two of the state's recovery roadmap, allowing more businesses in those counties to open faster than in other counties.

Related coronavirus news for May 18:

• Riverside County Poised To Reopen More Businesses
• 2 New Coronavirus Testing Sites Open In Riverside County

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