COVID-19 Resources
We’re committed to keeping you updated on the latest news regarding COVID-19. Get the answers and information you need to help keep you and your family safe.
How We’re Keeping Patients Safe During the COVID-19 Pandemic
We have taken a number of steps in addition to our standard rigorous infection control measures to ensure our facilities remain safe places for you to confidently receive care.
RESTRICTING VISITORS
We are reducing the number of people in our facilities and, therefore, the risk of exposure between patients, visitors and staff. We understand this can be difficult and appreciate your understanding.
MASKS & HAND SANITIZER
· Masks for Staff: All staff wear masks. The type of mask staff members wear is determined by the type of care they provide, to best ensure their safety and the safety of our patients.
· Masks for Patients and Visitors: All patients and anyone with them will be asked to wear a mask or cloth face covering while in our health care facilities. You may bring your own, or if you don’t have one, face masks are available at each entrance.
· Hand Sanitizer: Hand sanitizer is available at each entrance and at numerous locations throughout each building. Everyone is asked to sanitize their hands when they enter the building. In addition, each member of our health care staff sanitizes their hands before and after each patient encounter.
CLEANING AND REORGANIZING
· Common Areas: Areas such as waiting rooms, lobbies and restrooms are cleaned often with special attention to frequently touched surfaces including doorknobs, armrests and handrails.
· Exam Rooms: These are fully cleaned and disinfected between each patient.
· Floor Markings and Furniture Rearrangement: We have made special arrangements to support social distancing. You may see markers on the floors to show where people should stand. We have rearranged furniture in waiting areas to create more space between patients, and are scheduling appointments to ensure that fewer people are in our clinics at any given time.
Symptoms
People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms ranging from mild to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Body aches
- Headache
- Loss of taste or smell
- Sore Throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
This list does not include all possible symptoms and more severe symptoms may appear. If someone is showing these additional symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in chest
- New confusion
- Inability to stay awake
- Bluish lips or face
Testing
Riverside County is providing free COVID-19 testing to all residents. Please click here to locate and register for a COVID-19 test near you.
If you get tested, you should self-quarantine/isolate at home pending test results and follow the advice of your care team.
Vaccines
A safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine will be one of the most important tools to end the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccine appointments are currently open to Riverside County residents and those who work in Riverside County. Vaccine supply is limited so Riverside County is administering vaccinations on a tier-level basis to ensure that they are distributed equitably.
Please click here to view clinic sites offering the vaccine, current tier-level and to register for an appointment.
Symptoms
People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms ranging from mild to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Body aches
- Headache
- Loss of taste or smell
- Sore Throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
This list does not include all possible symptoms and more severe symptoms may appear. If someone is showing these additional symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in chest
- New confusion
- Inability to stay awake
- Bluish lips or face
Testing
Riverside County is providing free COVID-19 testing to all residents. Please click here to locate and register for a COVID-19 test near you.
If you get tested, you should self-quarantine/isolate at home pending test results and follow the advice of your care team.
Vaccines
A safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine will be one of the most important tools to end the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccine appointments are currently open to Riverside County residents and those who work in Riverside County. Vaccine supply is limited so Riverside County is administering vaccinations on a tier-level basis to ensure that they are distributed equitably.
Please click here to view clinic sites offering the vaccine, current tier-level and to register for an appointment.
How does COVID-19 spread?
The virus that causes COVID-19 is commonly spread between people who are in close contact (within 6 feet). The virus spreads through respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes. These particles can be inhaled through the mouth or nose and cause infection. Droplets can also land on surfaces/objects and be transferred by touch. A person can get infected by touching the surface/object and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes. There is growing evidence that droplets can also remain airborne for some time and breathed in by others.
How can I protect myself?
The CDC recommends washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. Cover your mouth and nose with a face covering or non-surgical mask when around others. Avoid large crowds and practice social distancing (stay at least 6 feet apart from others).
What should I do if I get sick or someone in my house gets sick?
Most people who get COVID-19 will be able to recover at home. CDC has directions for people who are recovering at home:
- Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
- Use a separate room and bathroom for sick household members (if possible).
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Provide your sick household member with clean disposable face masks to wear at home to help prevent spreading COVID-19 to others. Everyone else should wear masks at home.