In response to the rapidly rising number of COVID-19 cases, Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Cameron Kaiser ordered that no gatherings of any number of people may take place outside of family members residing in the same home.
Kaiser also ordered everyone to wear a face covering when leaving home, including essential workers. Face coverings can be bandanas, scarves, neck gaiters, or other clothing that does not have visible holes. Kaiser said residents should not purchase N95 or surgical masks, as these limited resources are needed for the healthcare community and first responders.
“While more and more Riverside County residents are getting COVID-19, not everybody’s getting the message,” Kaiser said “It started with staying home, social distance, and covering your face. But now we change from saying that you should to saying that you must.”
The purpose of this order is to encourage compliance with these important measures that have been implemented to flatten the curve. Pursuant to this order, law enforcement agencies throughout the county have the authority to enforce these orders as they deem necessary. This order runs through April 30.
“We have already lost two of our deputies to this virus. I am asking all of you to honor them by staying at home,” Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco said.
The no gathering order does not apply to essential businesses, including healthcare offices, grocery stores, or gas stations; however, these businesses must use social distancing measures to keep clients and customers six feet apart and all employees must now wear face coverings.
All churches, temples, synagogues, mosques, and other houses of worship are prohibited from all in-person gatherings, this includes drive-in religious services.
These orders are made in conjunction with Governor Newsom’s stay at home order issued on March 19.
