Riverside County's COVID-19 Hospitalizations Increase Slightly

RIVERSIDE, CA — The number of coronavirus patients hospitalized in Riverside County has increased slightly, while 458 new cases were confirmed and 17 new virus-related deaths were reported.

According to the Riverside University Health System, COVID-related hospitalizations countywide increased to 220 Friday, up from 214 on Thursday. The number of those patients in intensive care was 54, up from 53.

The cumulative number of COVID cases recorded since the pandemic began in March 2020 stood at 364,821 as of Friday, up from 364,363 on Thursday.

Officials said a total of 5,194 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 Friday was 3,869, down 81 from Thursday. The active count is derived by subtracting deaths and recoveries from the current total -- 364,821 -- according to the county Executive Office.

Verified patient recoveries countywide were 355,758.

Meanwhile, RUHS officials began administering booster shots Tuesday for people who originally received either the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccines. Federal officials approved such shots last week.

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.

—City News Service