Biweekly Third District Update

California COVID-19 Update

The State’s Regional Stay-at-Home Order was lifted Jan. 25. Riverside County is currently in the State’s Purple Tier. This means that businesses like restaurants and gyms can operate outside, while personal care businesses like hair salons, barber shops and nail salons can operate inside.  To see what is open in Riverside County and to read industry guidelines, visit covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy.

The State has also released updated guidelines on youth and adult recreational sports. Currently, low-contact sports teams can engage in competitions outdoors. Low-contact sports are as follows: archery, badminton, biking, bocce, corn hole, cross country, dance (no contact), disc golf, golf, ice and roller skating (no contact), lawn bowling, martial arts (no contact), physical training programs (e.g., yoga, Zumba, Tai chi), pickleball (singles), rowing/crew (with 1 person), running, shuffleboard, skeet shooting, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, swimming, diving, tennis, track and field, walking and hiking. To see a full list of guidelines, visit the following website: https://bit.ly/3oH7qHT.

Riverside County COVID-19 Update

As of Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021, there have been 277,724 cases of COVID-19 in Riverside County. There have been 3,278 deaths and 223,389 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.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

Currently, Riverside County is prioritizing vaccinating residents 85 and older. If you are under the age of 85, you may be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine from a private provider, such as a medical facility or pharmacy, provided you meet the state’s allocation guidelines: https://bit.ly/3atWWGN.

To make an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, visit www.ruhealth.org/covid-19-vaccine. Residents 85 and older who need assistance making an appointment can call 2-1-1.

For those who received a first dose at a County vaccine clinic (also called points of distribution or PODs), local health officials will reach out to residents through the contact method provided at the first appointment. At that time, the County will provide instructions for receiving the second dose conforming to the current CDC guideline on timeframes.

Residents who received their first dose at private provider should contact that same provider to schedule their second dose. Due in part to limited vaccine supply from the state, it may not be possible to get a second dose at the 21- or 28-day mark originally recommended. However, current CDC guidelines allow up to 42 days for a second dose with either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.

As of Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021, there have been 195,173 vaccine doses administered in Riverside County.

For the latest updates on the County of Riverside’s vaccination campaign, visit www.ruhealth.org/covid-19-vaccine. If you still have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, you can send an email to rivco.vaccines@ruhealth.org.

Property Tax Postponement Program

• The economic downturn resulting from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has created a burden for many taxpayers in Riverside County. Limited options to postpone property taxes are available for some residents under California State law.
• This state program allows homeowners who are seniors (62 years of age or older), or taxpayers who have a disability, to defer current-year property taxes on their principal residence. There are several requirements for participation in the program, including at least 40 percent equity in the home and an annual household income of $45,000 or less.
• The deadline to apply for the state Property Tax Postponement Program is Feb. 10.
• Applications and program details can be found by calling 800-952-5661or online at the State Controller’s website: http://bit.ly/3rlggNh.

Local Organizations Provide Resources for Older Adults

• The Alzheimer’s Association is offering free virtual social engagement programs. Program descriptions, dates and times are below. All programs are for caregivers and their loved ones. For Zoom information and to register for Art Expressions, contact Jennifer at 760-996-0006 or JLZuckerman@alz.org.
  • Tuesday Trivia: Test your knowledge of various subjects in a relaxed environment. Special loved-one-only questions ensure that everyone can participate. The program is held every Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • ALZ Explorers: Explore an array of different subjects — healthy cooking, gardening, art history and travel — through guest speakers, presenters and videos. The program is held every Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Coffee and Conversation: Meet other caregivers and loved ones for casual conversation, laughter and sharing of stories, news and fun. The program is held the second Friday of every month from 11 a.m. to noon.
  • Art Expressions: Complete a different art project each month. Materials are delivered to registered participants, and the Zoom meeting provides step-by-step instructions on completing the project. The program is held the fourth Friday of every month from 11 a.m. to noon.
• SCAN Health Plan provides a customized, no-cost community service called Independence at Home, which connects older adults and their caregivers to the services they need.
  • The Independence at Home team is comprised of social workers, nurses, pharmacists, gerontologists, therapists and health educators.
  • Services include classes and workshops, a friendly caller program, medication safety, caregiver support, volunteer opportunities, mental health support and an information, resource and referral line.
  • Independence at Home is available to adults 55 and older and the caregivers of adults 55 and older.
  • If you know an older adult or caregiver who could benefit from this program, call 1-855-587-7226 or visit IndependenceAtHome.org.

Riverside County Dog License Amnesty Period Runs to Feb. 15

• Animal Services is offering a dog license amnesty program through Feb. 15. Dog owners can obtain a license without facing late penalties or past licensing fees during the amnesty period.
• Riverside County Animal Services has offered the program in the past to encourage forgetful dog owners to catch up with getting a dog licensed.
• The amnesty program is connected to COVID-19 in recognizing that some pet owners might be struggling financially, said Animal Services Director Julie Bank.
• State law requires all dogs to be licensed. Dogs must be vaccinated for rabies prior to obtaining a license.
• As with past amnesty programs, the offer is only valid for dog owners who do not have any outstanding citations for failing to license their dog or do not get cited during the amnesty period.
• The easiest and fastest way for dog owners to get their license updated is by using the county’s Web licensing at www.rcdas.org. A one-year license for an altered dog is $25. A one-year license for an unaltered dog is $120.
• Getting the dog vaccinated routinely is beneficial for the dog’s health and keeping the license current also assists animal control officers and good Samaritans to get a pet back to its rightful owner faster, Bank said.

Riverside County Library System to Reopen Libraries with Limited Services

• The Riverside County Library System (RCLS) will reopen many of its branches to the public Feb. 8. The library will offer modified services amid new COVID-19 health regulations with physical distancing measures.
• During the modified service, patrons will have limited access to the interiors of the libraries for one hour. Library services are currently limited to the borrowing and returning of materials and accessing public computers.
• The libraries have implemented health and safety precautions including requiring masks to be worn by staff and patrons, added wall-mounted hand sanitizer stations, sneeze guards at all transaction counters, floor decals to encourage physical distancing, reduced the amount of available public computers to safely and properly distance patrons, and removed all common area lounge furniture.
• Based on the number of computers available and space needed for browsing the bookshelves, each location has determined the maximum capacity allowed inside each branch. The libraries will resume normal business hours and will continue to offer digital and curbside service during this time. Additional services and resources will resume as soon as libraries are able to do so in a safe manner.
• To find out if your library is open for in-person service, please check the website at www.rivlib.net or by calling 951-369-3003. RCLS is asking all patrons, volunteers, and employees to wear face coverings and continue to follow health and safety standards when entering the facilities.
• RCLS is a division of Riverside County Business & Community Services. For more information, please contact the RCLS at 951-369-3003 or visit www.rivlib.net.

REMINDER: State Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Application Closes Feb. 8

• The State is still offering grants up to $25,000 to eligible small businesses and nonprofits impacted by COVID-19.
• The second round of the State’s COVID-19 Relief Grant Program applications opens Tuesday, Feb. 2 and closes Monday, Feb. 8.
• To apply for a State grant, visit www.CAReliefGrant.com.

REMINDER: COVID-19 Test Clinics Available in the Third District

• The County has set up no-cost COVID-19 test sites throughout the Third District. The sites do NOT offer testing every day. See below for updates. For additional COVID-19 test sites offered through the County of Riverside, visit https://gettested.ruhealth.org/home. You may also contact your health care provider to see if they offer testing.
  • Idyllwild – Walk-up testing will be available for one day in Idyllwild. The test site is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 4 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Idyllwild Library (54401 Village Center Dr.). Appointments can be made through http://bit.ly/IdyllwildTesting. Please wear your mask and follow directions given by staff.
  • Hemet - Walk-up testing is available Tuesday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Hemet Public Library (300 E. Latham Avenue). You must make an appointment by visiting https://lhi.care. Please wear your mask, social distance and follow directions given by staff. You must not eat 20 minutes before taking your test!
  • Temecula - Walk-up testing is available every Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ronald Reagan Sports Park / Community Recreation Center (30875 Rancho Vista Road). Register online at http://bit.ly/CityofTemeculaTesting. Please wear your mask and practice social distancing while waiting in the line.
  • Murrieta – Walk-up testing is available every Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Murrieta Community Center (41810 Juniper Street). Please use the following link to register: http://bit.ly/2MtDCRs. Please wear your mask and follow directions given by staff.