Officials confirm new coronavirus case in the Coachella Valley

Riverside County Health officials confirmed there is a new coronavirus case in the Coachella Valley, the fifth case in our area.

Officials said the fifth infected person is isolating at home.

Brooke Federico, a county spokesperson, said there are 14 pending cases that are being investigated.

As for the remaining four local cases, two are also being treated at home, while another two are being treated at Eisenhower Health in Rancho Mirage.

Riverside County Health Officer Dr. Cameron Kaiser Kaiser said investigators believe three of the five infections were either the result of travel into areas where COVID-19 has been confirmed or contact with a known case.

Few details have been released about this new case, but public health investigators have not been able to determine how the first local individual was infected, Kaiser said, so it is considered a case of “community spread," meaning the virus was not contracted through relevant travel history or contact to a known case and suggests that the virus is present in the community.

The total number of county cases, as of Wednesday, is seven.

The total number includes two county residents who were passengers on the Diamond Princess cruise ship. Both cruise ship passengers are receiving treatment in Northern California and have not been in the county since leaving the ship.

Kaiser recommends that those in the Coachella Valley who are elderly and have underlying health conditions, including individuals who are HIV positive, limit non-essential travel and avoid large public gatherings.

Health officials said anyone who thinks they might be experiencing symptoms of the virus and want to be seen at Eisenhower Health should call the hospital hotline first at 760-837-8988. Avoid the spread of this illness.

Residents with further questions can call 2-1-1 and 800–CDC –INFO (800 – 232 – 4636) with any questions.

Public health recommendations for all Riverside County residents during community spread:

• Practice social distancing, which is remaining out of places where people meet or gather and avoid using public transportation, if possible.
• Do not attend work, school or events when sick. Stay home.
• Cough into your elbow or tissue.
• Wash hands frequently and use hand sanitizer often.
• Stay away from anyone who is sick.