The number of coronavirus patients hospitalized in Riverside County increased slightly, while 526 new cases were confirmed and seven new virus-related deaths were reported in the latest data.
According to the Riverside University Health System, COVID-related hospitalizations countywide increased to 267 on Thursday, up from 266 on Wednesday. The number of those patients in intensive care was 59, down from 62 the day before.
The cumulative number of COVID cases recorded since the pandemic began in March 2020 stood at 366,725, up from 366,199 on Wednesday.
A total of 5,226 deaths from virus-related complications have been recorded in roughly the past 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 Thursday was 3,779, up 10 from Wednesday. The active count is derived by subtracting deaths and recoveries from the current total — 366,725 — according to the county’s Executive Office.
Verified patient recoveries countywide were 357,720.
Meanwhile, a number of RUHS clinics operated by community partners began administering the Pfizer vaccine to children ages 5 to 11 Thursday, with county operated clinics planning to begin on Saturday.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gave final approval for the shots on Tuesday. According to RUHS officials, the child vaccine is one-third the dose used for adults.
“The vaccine for children in this age group is so important as we continue to slow and stop the spread of the COVID virus, particularly since we have seen an increase in cases among this population,” said Dr. Geoffrey Leung, Public Health Officer for Riverside County. “Parents should be confident the vaccine for these children is safe and effective.”
Officials asked that those under 18 be accompanied by a parent or adult to get vaccinated.
To learn more about local clinics and to schedule an appointment, go to myturn.ca.gov.