Health officials close all schools in Riverside County, local cases increase to 10

Riverside County Public Health Officials announced the closure of all schools countywide for the next three weeks due to the coronavirus pandemic.

This includes all our local schools at every level. Classes will resume on April 6.

“To further prevent the spread throughout the county, effective Monday, March 16, I am ordering a school closure, not a dismissal, of all Riverside County public schools. This order also applies to preschools, charter schools, private schools and all colleges and universities in Riverside County,” Kaiser said.

We also now have 10 cases in the Coachella, up from 6 on Thursday. Three infected people are being treated at Eisenhower Health. On 3/12/2020, the county confirmed 3 other cases were isolated at home. No word on where these new patients are being treated.

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This brings the total cases in Riverside County up to 12. Two county residents aboard a cruise ship also tested positive, but they haven't returned to the county since.

One of the cases in the Coachella Valley is considered "communal spread," meaning they did not travel recently or were around someone who did travel.

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.

If you aren't ill but have questions, call 2-1-1 or 800–CDC –INFO (800 – 232 – 4636) with any questions.

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

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.

PSUSD and DSUSD announced an emergency food plan. No details on CVUSD or PSUSD's plan, but DSUSD announced their plan will be put into place on March 16, 2020.

LUNCH SCHEDULES FOR DSUSD:

Shadow Hills High School: Serving student populations of SHHS and Desert Ridge Academy                                                                                                                              10:00 A.M.-10:20 A.M.

Andrew Jackson Elementary School: Serving student populations of Andrew Jackson, Richard Oliphant, Herbert Hoover elementary schools; Amistad High School; Eisenhower Community Education Center                                                                                  10:30 A.M.-10:50 A.M.

Lyndon B. Johnson Elementary School: Serving student population of Lyndon B. Johnson, Carrillo Ranch, John Kennedy elementary schools, and Indio Middle School                                                                                                                          11:00 A.M.-11:20 A.M.

Indio High School: Serving student populations of Indio High School, James Madison Elementary School, and Dr. Reynaldo Carreon Jr. Academy                       10:00-10:20 A.M.

Martin Van Buren Elementary School: Serving student population of Martin Van Buren and Theodore Roosevelt elementary schools, and Thomas Jefferson Middle School                                                                                                                   10:30-10:50 A.M.

Benjamin Franklin Elementary School: Serving student population of Benjamin Franklin and Harry Truman elementary schools, Adams Early Childhood Learning Center, and La Quinta Middle School                                                                  11:15 - 11:35 A.M.