New Face Mask Recommendation In RivCo Amid Coronavirus

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Riverside County public health officials are now recommending that residents cover their nose and mouth at doctor appointments, pharmacies and the grocery store.

Up until Tuesday, local officials have not recommended the large-scale use of face coverings.

“When the situation changes, the rulebook changes,” said Dr. Cameron Kaiser, Riverside County public health officer. “We’re seeing our numbers increasing even sooner than we predicted and that means our strategy must change too. Covering your face doesn’t change the orders everyone must abide by to stay home as much as possible and maintain social distancing, but it’s an extra layer of protection that I think we need to add.”

The face coverings do not have to be hospital grade but need to cover the nose and mouth. For example, bandanas, fabric masks and neck gaiters are acceptable. Fabric covers and bandanas can be washed and used again, county public health officials said.

Tuesday saw a dramatic increase in the number of coronavirus cases confirmed countywide and four more deaths. Read the full story: Wildomar Man Among Latest Coronavirus Deaths

Modeling released Thursday by county officials showed that by the beginning of May, 1,000 county residents could die from the coronavirus and over 50,000 residents could be infected. At that point, the county's COVID-19 cases were doubling every 4-5 days but over the last two days the numbers have jumped. Read more: 1,000 Dead In Riverside County By May: New Coronavirus Models

On Tuesday, the county released new modeling projections that show at the current rate of infection, countywide cases will surpass 60,000. By April 12, ICU beds will be at full capacity, and by April 26 all ventilators will be in use, the projections show.

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