Riverside County is reporting 137 newly confirmed coronavirus cases and an additional 22 virus-related deaths as COVID-positive hospitalizations fell further.
The aggregate number of coronavirus cases recorded since the public health documentation period began in March is up to 287,200, according to figures released Thursday by the Riverside University Health System.
Officials said there have been a total 3,599 deaths from virus-related complications in the last 11 months. The fatalities are trailing indicators because of delays processing death certificates, and cover three- to four-week cycles.
There are now 535 COVID-positive patients being treated countywide, down 18 from Wednesday. That includes 172 patients in intensive care units, five fewer than the day before.
ICU bed availability countywide technically remains at 0%.
The number of known active virus cases countywide is 26,328, down 2,758 compared to a day ago. The active count is derived by subtracting deaths and recoveries from the current total — 287,200 — according to the county Executive Office. Verified patient recoveries countywide are now at 257,273.
Department of Public Health Director Kim Saruwatari told the Board of Supervisors last week that Blue Shield had reached an agreement with the California Department of Public Health to coordinate vaccine distribution efforts throughout the state, including Riverside County.
RUHS spokesman Dr. Geoffrey Leung also told the board last week that just over 200,000 residents have received the first round of doses. There have been challenges arranging for the second round of shots required in the two-step immunization process, but Leung said improvements are in the works.
Vaccination of seniors is a priority, but others who qualify under the CDPH Phase 1 guidelines include hospital workers, first responders, teachers and some agricultural workers. 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 overall countywide COVID-19 testing positivity rate is 11%, down from 14.4% last week, based on state-adjusted figures.
The county is still in the most restrictive, purple tier of the governor’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy framework, impacting bars, theaters, museums, indoor recreational facilities and wineries — all of which are supposed to remain closed. However wineries, like restaurants, can provide outdoor dining, takeout and delivery.