Biweekly Third District Update

Tier Update

Riverside County is currently in the State’s Red Tier. The following changes are now in effect:

• Restaurants and movie theaters may return to indoor operations up to 25 percent capacity or 100 people (whichever is fewer);
• Museums, zoos and aquariums may return indoors up to 25 percent capacity;
• Gyms and fitness centers may return indoors up to 10 percent capacity; and
• Retail stores and shopping malls may increase capacity to 50 percent.

Moreover, due to a recent change in guidelines, wineries, breweries and distilleries that do not serve meals can reopen outdoors. To see a full list of industry guidelines, visit the following link: http://bit.ly/3tsyoWl.

Riverside County COVID-19 Update

As of Tuesday, March 16, 2021, our adjusted case rate per 100,000 residents is 6.1, our positivity rate is 3.3 percent, and the positivity rate in our most disadvantaged communities is 3.7. To move to the State’s orange tier, we need to have a case rate of fewer than four per 100,000, a positivity rate of less than five percent, and a positivity rate of less than 5.3 percent in our most disadvantaged communities. Riverside County will need to remain in the red tier for a minimum of three weeks and meet the orange tier metrics for two of those weeks before advancing further.

When four million individuals have been vaccinated in our most disadvantaged communities, the criteria for moving to the State’s orange tier changes. At that point, we will need a case rate of fewer than six per 100,000 to advance to the orange tier. However, we do not have an estimate for when this change will take place.

As of Thursday, March 18, 2021, there have been 292,817 cases of COVID-19 in Riverside County. There have been 4,097 deaths and 284,982 recoveries. For more detailed data on the County’s COVID-19 cases, visit www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus. For state updates, visit www.cdph.ca.gov, and for national updates, visit www.cdc.gov.

The County of Riverside is still conducting COVID-19 tests! If you would like to make an appointment to receive a COVID-19 test, visit https://gettested.ruhealth.org/home.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

The County of Riverside is vaccinating the following groups: healthcare workers and janitors; residents or employees in high-risk congregate settings; individuals ages 65 and over; workers in education, childcare, food and agriculture, emergency services and public transit; and individuals 16 to 64 with underlying health conditions,. To see a full list of eligible health conditions, use the following link: https://bit.ly/3bW7X4j.

To make an appointment, visit www.ruhealth.org/covid-19-vaccine. Residents 65 and older who need assistance making an appointment can call 951-867-3895. Press one for English or two for Spanish, then press one for vaccine assistance.

If you received your first vaccine dose at a county vaccine clinic, then a local health official will reach out to schedule your second dose. You can visit www.rivcoph.org/COVID-19-2nd-Dose-Information to see which clinic locations and dates have received invitations for second doses. You also may schedule your second dose appointment at www.ruhealth.org/covid-19-vaccine.

Riverside County Offers $1,000 per Unit to Property Owners Who Help Families

• Property owners in Riverside County who rent their units to families participating in the CalWORKS Housing Support Program may qualify for a $1,000 incentive.
• The Housing Support Program helps families with children find stable housing while receiving workforce training and supportive services during the pandemic.
• Officials say they want to house at least 200 families before the program expires at the end of June.
• Property owners and/or CalWORKS customers interested in the incentives and supportive services should contact the CalWORKS Housing Support Program by calling 833-391-0506 or emailing hsp@rivco.org.

New COVID-19 Relief Package Includes Direct Funding for Riverside County

• Recently, the federal government passed a $1.86 trillion stimulus bill.
• Below are some of the provisions of the relief package:
  • A three-month extension to the 15 percent increase for SNAP;
  • An extension of current supplemental unemployment benefits until Sept. 6, 2021;
  • An additional $4.5 billion for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program;
  • $7.25 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program;
  • $15 billion for the Economic Injury Disaster loan program; and
  • $28.6 billion for a grant program providing funding to restaurants and bars.
• In addition, it is estimated that County of Riverside will receive approximately $479 million of funding.
• Last year, the County used federal stimulus funding for rental assistance and grants for schools, businesses and unemployed workers.
• As we receive updates on the new federal funding, we will release them through this bulletin.

VA Loma Linda is Providing COVID-19 Vaccines for Veterans

• The COVID-19 vaccine is now available for all Veterans enrolled in VA health care at VA Loma Linda. There is no minimum age requirement!
• Vaccines are available by appointment or walk-in Mondays through Fridays at the VA Loma Linda Medical Center (11201 Benton St., Loma Linda) from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the Ambulatory Care Center (26001 Redlands Blvd., Redlands) from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Appointments are also available Tuesdays at the Murrieta VA Clinic, Wednesdays at the Rancho Cucamonga VA Clinic and Thursdays at the Palm Desert VA Clinic.
• To make an appointment, call 909-825-7084 Ext. 5085.
• For more about VA Loma Linda, please visit their website at https://www.lomalinda.va.gov/.

Riverside County Starting New Zero Waste Hero Program

• Are you interested in reducing the amount of waste your household produces?
• Riverside County Waste Resources is looking for 40 families who would like to participate in the first Zero Waste Hero Program.
• Participating households will receive recycling coaching and access to waste reduction workshops.
• This virtual program is only open to residents of unincorporated Riverside County. It will begin May 1, 2021 and end August 14, 2021.
• The application must be completed by Thursday, April 15, 2021.
• For more information, visit rcwaste.org/zwh.

REMINDER: Rental Assistance Now Available Through United Lift

• Applications for United Lift rental assistance are now available to Riverside County residents.
• Eligibility is limited to renters in Riverside County with a current lease agreement who are earning 80 percent or below of the area’s median income and can document a loss of income due to COVID-19 economic impacts that leave them unable to make their rent.
• The program will continue until funds are depleted, or until December 31, 2021, whichever happens first. More information on eligibility guidelines and the application portal can be found at UnitedLift.org.