Riverside County Wednesday reported 183 newly confirmed coronavirus cases, one additional virus-related death and another drop in COVID-positive hospitalizations.
The aggregate number of coronavirus cases recorded since the public health documentation period began in March 2020 is 291,675, compared to 291,492 on Tuesday, according to the Riverside University Health System.
Officials said there have been 3,941 deaths from virus-related complications in the last 12 months. The fatalities are trailing indicators because of delays processing death certificates.
The number of known active virus cases countywide is 5,566, down 484 from Tuesday. The active count is derived by subtracting deaths and recoveries from the current total — 291,675 — according to the county Executive Office. Verified patient recoveries countywide are now at 282,168.
RUHS data showed COVID-positive hospitalizations now number 254, down 10 from Tuesday, and that includes 54 intensive care unit patients — five fewer than a day ago.
The coronavirus positivity rate in Riverside County hit 4.1% this week, the lowest it has been since early October. The rate was 5.8% last week.
Countywide ICU bed availability is roughly 20%, back to where it was at the end of November and before the governor’s stay-at-home order impacting the entire Southern California region. The threshold established for triggering the order was 15% or less overall ICU availability.
Vaccination of seniors continues to be a priority, but others who qualify under the CDPH Phase 1 guidelines include hospital workers, first responders, food service workers, teachers and some agricultural workers.
RUHS’ Dr. Geoffrey Leung told the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday that, beginning March 15, residents 18 to 64 years old with underlying medical conditions, as well as most people with disabilities, will be eligible for vaccinations. Leung said conditions might include “type-2 diabetes and lung disease.”
“The CDPH is continuing to work on the guidelines,” he said.
The portal to make an appointment for vaccination can be accessed via www.rivcoph.org/COVID-19-Vaccine. Anyone who needs assistance may also call the county’s 211 help line.
The state-adjusted infection rate of 8.3 per 100,000 residents compares to 11.3 per 100,000 last week. Last Tuesday’s downward shift in infection data prompted a removal of prohibitions on youth and adult sports, including baseball, football, soccer and water polo. The threshold is 14 per 100,000 residents.
Weekly testing for players and coaches is one of the provisions established by the California Department of Public Health for participation in contact sports. More information is available at www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus.
On March 1, the Corona-Norco Unified School District resumed in-person classes for students in transitional kindergarten to sixth grade under a waiver authorized by the county and state, based on moderating infection rates. Additional school districts are expected to follow this month.
The county remains in the most restrictive “purple” tier of the governor’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy framework, although the “red” tier is within reach if current trends continue.
Under the current designation, bars, theaters, museums, indoor recreational facilities and wineries are supposed to remain closed. However wineries, like restaurants, can provide outdoor dining, takeout and delivery.