Skip to Content

Here’s how face-covering orders stand today in Riverside County

Riverside County loosened even more restrictions when it comes to the use of face coverings.

According to the county's amended order, effective May 1, people taking part in outdoor activities are not required to use face coverings as long as they follow social distancing protocols of six feet apart.

Although face coverings are no longer required, Riverside County continues to recommend people wear them when going outside. They have advised people to use them in places like hiking trail entrances, when there are other people around.

A proposal that will be presented at the Riverside County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday could see that recommendation extended even further.

"If it is approved by the board of supervisors it will be up to each individual's discretion on whether or not they choose to wear it," said Brooke Federico, Riverside County public information officer.

Riverside County's doubling rate for cases recently grew, from 8 days to 14 days, officials announced. This means it would take two weeks for the total number of cases to double.

Riverside County said several weeks ago the doubling rate was at 4.7 days.

"The decisions should be made based on public health expertise such as that provided by Dr. Kaiser-- not by elected politicians, myself included," Palm Springs Mayor, Geoff Kors said.

On Wednesday Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Cameron Kaiser extended the order until June 19. The proposal to ease up on restrictions was announced one day later.

Palm Springs Mayor Geoff Kors expressed concern over loosening up the restrictions.

"It’s one thing as an individual, but people at a grocery store or pharmacy or other essential businesses, health care workers, they can see 100 people a day. If those folks aren’t wearing masks, they are putting themselves at such an increased risk," Mayor Kors said.

Kors said he is hoping to see more leadership from the county, which for the most part has followed state guidelines.

"The governor said that the states are going to adopt rules that are the minimum that any county or local government can adopt because there are very rural counties with few cases. Riverside county is not one of those with very few cases," Kors said.

On Thursday, 3 of the Coachella Valley's major hospitals put forth numbers reflecting that the virus continued to spread through the community. Kors said it is vital to base decisions off that data.

"Palm Springs wants to see things reopen, we want it to be done safely and smartly," Kors said.

The city manager of La Quinta also weighed in. Jon McMillen said the city has, for the most part, followed county restrictions with some exceptions.

'We have the options to be a little stricter than the county if that’s appropriate and in a couple cases we have chosen to go that route but for the most part we are more or less following exactly what they are putting out there as far as guidelines," La Quinta City Manager, Jon McMillen said.

The Riverside County board of supervisors is expected to vote on the matter on Tuesday.

Article Topic Follows: News

Jump to comments ↓

Author Profile Photo

Shelby Nelson

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

News Channel 3 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content