Reported coronavirus-related hospitalizations in Riverside County dropped by nearly three dozen overnight, to the lowest point in more than two months, according to data released Thursday by local health officials.

The Riverside University Health System also reported 326 newly confirmed coronavirus infections, and five additional deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19 infections recorded since the public health documentation period began in early March to 48,956, and the number of deaths to 922.

According to RUHS data, 267 people are hospitalized for COVID-19, down 34 from Wednesday. Hospitalizations include 90 patients in intensive care units, or seven fewer than Wednesday.

One week ago, the number of coronavirus-related hospitalizations was reported to be 307, with 94 of those patients in ICU beds. A month ago, the figures were 507 and 131, respectively.

Thursday’s hospitalization figure was the lowest reported since June 17, when 257 confirmed coronavirus patients were hospitalized in Riverside County hospitals. At that time, local businesses were reopening under stage 3 of the governor’s four-stage de-regulation framework, but another round of restrictions were instituted amid a dramatic rise in infection rates.

Emergency Management Department Director Bruce Barton told the Board of Supervisors earlier this month that the greatest number of coronavirus-related hospital admissions have been 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.

According to Department of Public Health Director Kim Saruwatari, nearly two-thirds — 63% — of all deaths coded as COVID-19 have been correlated to underlying conditions, principally chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, diabetes and kidney disease.

The number of known active virus cases countywide is 21,652, a drop of 69 from Wednesday, according to RUHS figures. The active count is derived by subtracting deaths and recoveries from the current total — 48,956 — according to the county Executive Office.

Verified patient recoveries countywide total 26,382. The county defines a recovery as someone who has not manifested symptoms for 14 days.

The doubling time — or the number of days in which documented virus cases increase 100% — is 40 days. A doubling rate of seven days is considered severe.

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