The number of coronavirus patients hospitalized in Riverside County increased, while 484 new cases were confirmed and 15 new virus-related deaths were reported in the latest data.
According to the Riverside University Health System, COVID-related hospitalizations countywide increased to 266 on Wednesday, up from 253 on Tuesday. The number of those patients in intensive care was 62, up from 55 the day before.
The cumulative number of COVID cases recorded since the pandemic began in March 2020 stood at 366,199, up from 365,715 on Tuesday.
A total of 5,219 deaths from virus-related complications have been recorded in the past roughly 19 months. The fatalities are trailing indicators because of delays processing death certificates and can go back a month or longer.
The number of known active virus cases countywide Wednesday was 3,769, down 241 from Tuesday. The active count is derived by subtracting deaths and recoveries from the current total — 366,199 — according to the county’s Executive Office.
Verified patient recoveries countywide were 357,211.
The county has not said when the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 will be available locally. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gave final approval to the shots on Tuesday.
RUHS officials began administering booster shots last week for people who originally received either the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccines.
For those who received the Johnson & Johnson shot, boosters are available for people 18 years or older and who received their original dose no sooner than two months ago.
For those who received the two-shot Moderna vaccine, boosters are available for people 65 or older, 18-64 years old with underlying medical conditions or who are at increased risk of COIVD-19 exposure due to occupational or institutional settings. People must have received the last dose of the original Moderna vaccine at least six months ago to qualify for a booster.
“This is one more important step in getting us through the pandemic,” said Dr. Geoffrey Leung, Riverside County public health officer.
“There also continues to remain opportunities for those who still need an initial dose to receive it at any of our community clinic and provider locations throughout the county.”
According to RUHS officials, the mixing of booster doses was also approved, meaning that people can choose from any of the three approved boosters regardless of their previous vaccine. Individuals will need to first meet the requirement to receive a booster based on their initial vaccination.
To schedule a vaccination appointment, go to myturn.ca.gov/index.html.