First 2 Riverside County residents die of coronavirus

Two patients in the Coachella Valley have died, becoming the first deaths associated with the novel coronavirus in Riverside County, the county’s top health officer announced Monday, March 16.

Dr. Cameron Kaiser, the county public health officer, said he was also revising his previous order that limited public gatherings of more than 250 people. Now, no more than 10 people should gather at a time, Kaiser said.

“Our thoughts are with the families of the two patients,” Kaiser said in a news release. “Sadly, these outcomes are expected as we face a serious challenge and continue to make the necessary decisions to protect the health of the community.”

The deaths were announced the same day that the county confirmed its 15th case of Riverside County residents with the coronavirus.

The new restrictions on gatherings also require that there be enough room to maintain 6 feet of space between attendees.

Limited exemptions to the 10-person rule include healthcare facilities, grocery stores, daycare centers and restaurants serving take-out, the news release stated.

Kaiser has also ordered the closure of all Riverside County schools from elementary school to universities. He also has recommended that senior citizens and those with underlying health conditions in the Coachella Valley avoid any non-essential travel.

“Unfortunately, the number of cases are going to keep going up for awhile,” Kaiser said. “But we’re taking steps to keep us ahead of the curve and getting people taken care of as quickly as we can. If everyone does their part we’ll get through this together.”

Manuel Perez, chairman of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors and representative for the Coachella Valley area, extended his condolences and prayers.

“More so now than ever before, we must practice social distancing to flatten the curve,” Perrez said in the release. “We will be consistently working for the benefit of our communities in these tough times that are before us.”

Information on the patients was not immediately available.

from News: Redlands Daily Facts https://ift.tt/2WjcRlO