Riverside County health officials have announced 631 newly confirmed coronavirus cases — the largest one-day uptick in reported infections since the pandemic began — as well as seven additional deaths and a jump in hospitalizations, bringing the case total to 14,431 and the death toll to 431.
According to the Riverside University Health System, 315 people are hospitalized countywide due to COVID-19 — an increase of 17 compared to Monday — with 90 of those patients in intensive care units, up from 87.
Some of the patients are from Mexico and Imperial County, where large outbreaks have occurred, according to the Emergency Management Department.
Gov. Gavin Newsom said Monday that Riverside is one of 11 counties the state is watching due to coronavirus caseload increases. San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Imperial, Santa Barbara, Kern, Fresno, Kings, Tulare, Stanislaus, and San Joaquin counties were also listed.
“The county continuously pores over the data of local coronavirus cases and hospitalizations. Being on the engagement list means that the county will closely discuss data with the state and potential driving factors,” Riverside County spokeswoman Brooke Federico said Tuesday.
“If progress is not made, the county may make additional recommendations or requirements. The state may also choose to make local recommendations or requirements, as well,” she said.
The California Department of Public Health says Riverside County is experiencing elevated disease transmission due to outbreaks at state prisons and skilled nursing facilities, recent public protests involving large numbers of people without face coverings, patient transfers from Imperial County and Northern Baja California and general increases in local gatherings.
The Riverside University Health System’s infection data covers the period going back to early March and includes those patients who have since recovered. The number of documented patient recoveries stands at 7,009.
RUHS officials said Monday that 3,500 randomly selected residents will be asked to take part in antibody studies to determine whether they’ve been exposed and have already recovered from the virus. Residents cannot volunteer for the antibody research, and those who agree to participate after random sampling will have their blood drawn at one of nine sites countywide.
More information is available at www.rivcoph.org/antibodystudy.
Newsom last week ordered all California residents to wear face coverings in most settings outside their homes to help slow the spread of the virus. The statewide mandate requires residents to wear masks in “high-risk situations,” which cover virtually all scenarios.
Riverside County had previously rescinded its mask mandate, and it was unclear how closely the statewide directive would be enforced locally, if at all.
More county businesses opened their doors Friday as the coronavirus regulatory bar was lowered further, and the county continued its transition through stage 3 of the governor’s four-stage de-regulation framework tied to the health emergency.
Nail salons, facial and esthetician providers, shaving, waxing and threading businesses, massage therapy outlets and tattoo and piercing parlors countywide are now eligible to resume operation under guidelines specified by the California Department of Public Health.
In stage 4 of the governor’s de-regulation framework, nightclubs, concert venues and sports venues will be eligible to reopen.