LOS ANGELES - On Tuesday, the Riverside County Public Health Department announced that a third person has died due to the coronavirus COVID-19.
The individual was from Coachella Valley.
The news comes a day after health officials announced two other deaths in Riverside County also connected to the coronavirus.
“Our thoughts are with the families of the two patients,” said Public Health Officer Dr. Cameron Kaiser. “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.”
Kaiser also announced on Tuesday the first two cases of COVID-19 in western Riverside County. Both individuals are expected to recover.
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“We knew getting west county cases was an inevitability,” said Kaiser, who on Monday reduced the maximum gathering order from 250 to 10 in light of the comments from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “The disease curve must be flattened, and that’s why we’re already intervening as early as possible so that our vulnerable residents are protected.”
Riverside County has 16 cases, and up until Tuesday's announcement, nearly all the cases have been from the Coachella Valley.
As the county’s response continues to expand and testing increases, Kaiser said the number of confirmed cases will likely jump.
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