1,828 New Cases, 31 New Deaths: Riverside County Coronavirus

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — The number of confirmed COVID-19 infections in Riverside County increased by 1,828 since Friday, with 31 additional deaths attributed to complications stemming from the virus, even as the number of hospitalizations continues to steadily drop, the Riverside University Health System said Monday.

The aggregate number of COVID-19 cases recorded since the public health documentation period began in early March now stands at 47,490, compared to 45,662 announced on Friday. No figures were provided over the weekend.

According to RUHS, the total number of deaths tied to COVID-19 stands at 912, up from 881 since the end of last week.

The number of known active virus cases countywide is 22,889, an increase of 1,797 from Friday. The active count is derived by subtracting deaths and recoveries from the current total 47,490, according to the county Executive Office.

The number of confirmed patient recoveries is 23,689. The county defines a recovery as someone who has not manifested symptoms for 14 days.

According to RUHS, 296 people are hospitalized for COVID-19, 18 fewer than on Friday. Hospitalizations include 90 patients in intensive care units.

Emergency Management Department Director Bruce Barton told the Board of Supervisors earlier this month that the county had "seen a downward trend in hospitalizations," with both general COVID-positive hospitalizations and ICU referrals trending lower.

According to Barton, the greatest number of coronavirus-related hospitalizations are in District 4, which encompasses the Coachella Valley. Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage has seen the heaviest demand for COVID-19 treatment, requiring a 19-person federal medical team to assist on- site staff, the EMD director said.

Department of Public Health Director Kim Saruwatari told the board that nearly two-thirds — 63 percent — of all deaths coded as COVID-19 were correlated to underlying conditions, principally chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, diabetes and kidney disease.

The doubling time — or the number of days in which documented virus cases increase 100 percent — is 36 days. A doubling rate of seven days is considered severe.

Several school districts began their fall semesters last week, and others will follow this week countywide. All districts are set up for remote — or online — instruction for now. Once the county's COVID-19 infection rate recedes, many schools will be eligible to apply for waivers from the California Department of Public Health, enabling them to proceed with limited in-person class activities.