3 coronavirus cases confirmed at Desert Aids Project clinic

Desert Aids Project in Palm Springs reported Friday night that three patients have tested positive for coronavirus at its clinic.

Two of the cases are patients over the age of 55. One is a patient over the age of 30. All are considered mild cases and are at home in self-quarantine.

Earlier Friday, officials confirmed six new coronavirus cases in Riverside County, bringing the total cases up to 28 as of 2:40 p.m. on March 20. It's not clear if that count included the three cases from Desert Aids Project but county officials did report that three of the new cases were in the Coachella Valley.

Earlier Friday morning, Riverside University Health System confirmed a fourth coronavirus death in the Coachella Valley among the 28 reported cases. All four County deaths are in the Coachella Valley.

As testing continues to ramp up around Riverside County cases will increase. For instance, officials tested 140 employees and vendors, as well as 94 residents, at the Rancho Mirage Health & Rehabilitation Center after a former facility resident tested positive for coronavirus. A vendor at the facility also later tested positive.

“Unfortunately, as testing expands, so will the number of positive cases,” said Dr. Cameron Kaiser, Riverside County public health officer. “We are working diligently to ensure those who may have been exposed are taken care of, but we know COVID-19 is present in the community, and there will be more cases.”

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.

Check out our coronavirus section for local coverage

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.