The number of confirmed coronavirus infections in Riverside County went up 1,531, and the number of deaths attributed to complications of the virus rose 21 since Friday, the Riverside University Health System announced Monday.
The number of cases recorded in the county since the public health documentation period began in early March rose to 41,983 Monday, compared to 40,452 on Friday. Health officials did not post data over the weekend.
According to RUHS, the number of deaths believed to be tied to COVID-19 stands at 820, up from 799 three days ago.
The number of known active virus cases countywide is 19,265, an increase of 733 from Friday, according to figures. The active count is derived by subtracting deaths and recoveries from the overall case — 41,983 — according to the county Executive Office. The number of confirmed patient recoveries is 21,898.
The county defines a recovery as someone who has not manifested symptoms for 14 days.
According to RUHS, 359 people were hospitalized for COVID-19 as of Monday, 50 less than the end of last week. Hospitalizations include 112 patients in intensive care units.
On Tuesday, Emergency Management Department Director Bruce Barton told the Board of Supervisors the county had “seen a downward trend in hospitalizations” over a nearly two-week span.
“We’ve steadily seen COVID-positive hospitalizations go down,” Barton said. “ICU utilization has also leveled off and come down.”
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 District 4 also has had the highest proportion of coronavirus-related deaths. She said nearly two-thirds — 63% — 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% in the county — is 32 days. A doubling rate of seven days is considered severe.
Several school districts in the county opened their fall semesters Monday, and others will follow in the coming weeks countywide. All districts are set up for distance — or online — instruction for the time being. However, 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 that enable them to proceed with limited in-person class activities.
Last week, in-person sports activities were permitted to recommence, but physical distancing and safety protocols must be in place.
Tournaments, events and games indoors that require close contact among participants are not allowed.