The number of COVID-positive patients under intensive care in Riverside County edged higher, while overall hospitalizations were unchanged, and eight additional virus-related deaths were reported Thursday.
According to the Riverside University Health System, the number of ICU patients increased to 91, compared to 85 Wednesday, and total hospitalizations were at 321 — the same as a day ago.
RUHS said the aggregate number of COVID cases recorded since the public health documentation period began in March 2020 is 356,906. Wednesday’s number was 356,457.
Officials said a total 5,055 deaths from virus-related complications have been recorded in the last roughly 19 months. The fatalities are trailing indicators because of delays processing death certificates and can go back a month, sometimes longer, according to RUHS.
The number of known active virus cases countywide is 4,301, down 137 from a day ago. The active count is derived by subtracting deaths and recoveries from the current total — 356,906 — according to the county Executive Office. Verified patient recoveries countywide are 347,550.
The county began administering Pfizer vaccine booster shots on Sept. 25.
To receive a SARS-CoV-2 booster, residents must have received their second Pfizer vaccine dose a minimum of six months ago. Other eligibility requirements are that residents must be 65 years or older, or be 18-64 years old and either have underlying health conditions that put them at risk of COVID-19, or be at increased risk of exposure to the virus due to occupational or institutional reasons, such as being a health care worker.