City COVID-19 cases steady; masks available

With strict stay-at-home mandates in effect, the City of Canyon Lake has seen its COVID-19 cases remain low and steady. Meanwhile, the county has issued a requirement, backed up by a potential $1,000 fine, for those leaving their homes for essential purposes to wear a cloth mask. The city is supplying these masks on a first-come, first-served basis to members of the community who need them.

“I have been proud of the way the community has responded in these difficult times,” Chris Mann, Canyon Lake City Manager, said. “While some have struggled more than others to adjust, the vast majority of residents and businesses are taking the threat seriously and are now complying with state, county, city and POA orders designed to keep the community safe.”

The efforts seem to be working. Confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city increased by just one this week to a total of four, as of The Friday Flyer print deadlines. Canyon Lake’s stable cases this week coincides with the county numbers spiking.

“I believe this is due, in large part, to the fantastic job most Canyon Lakers are doing staying home, washing hands, cleaning surfaces and practicing social distancing,” Chris said.

The County of Riverside issued strict orders this week that now match up with the city’s regulations put into effect last week, including that there be no gatherings of any size, except for those living in a single household. But, the county, with documentation how wearing cloth facemasks can help with preventing the spread of the virus, issued a requirement that those who are outside the home on essential activities, must wear a mask. The city is assisting its residents in complying with this new regulation.

“Given this new requirement,” Chris said, “a group of creative and hard-working volunteers have joined forces with the city in an effort to provide a mask to anyone in Canyon Lake who might need one.”

The city has ordered the materials, volunteers are being organize and masks will be delivered to those in need on a first-come, first-served basis as they become available, he said. Anyone in need of a mask or willing to volunteer with the effort should email media@cityofcanyonlake.com.

More information can be had by visiting the city website, cityofcanyonlake.org, and viewing a video on this program.

“Canyon Lakers are patriotic, freedom-loving Americans. As such, living under such stringent regulations goes against our very nature,” Chris said. “The Canyon Lake lifestyle is especially social, with residents accustomed to sharing so many amazing amenities, clubs and events with one another.

“The city encourages everyone to continue to do their part to keep us all safe. While we have seen drastic improvement in compliance over the past couple of weeks, we anticipate that temptation will grow with warmer weather.”

The city has increased Enforcement Department patrols and has temporarily hired additional Code Enforcement staff, Chris said. Under the city’s emergency orders, Enforcement Department personnel are now authorized to issue criminal citations. They will be patrolling and enforcing the orders in the Canyon Lake Town Center, on the streets both inside and outside of the gates and on the lake.

Violating the emergency orders now constitutes a misdemeanor offense. If residents wish to report a possible violation, they can call or text the City of Canyon Lake Enforcement Department at 951-434-4115.

Residents in Riverside County are now required to wear face coverings and could face a fine of $1,000 per violation per day if the mandate, which went into effect Sunday, is ignored.

Recent data from the Riverside University Health System indicated 1,179 confirmed cases of corona virus within the county with 32 deaths coming from those cases.

“While more and more Riverside County residents are getting COVID-19, not everybody’s getting the message,” said Riverside County public health officer Dr. Cameron Kaiser. “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.”

However, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department isn’t out looking to issue a bunch of these fines.

“This is a valid order and enforceable by fine, imprisonment or both,” said Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco. “However, I need to make it perfectly clear to all residents of Riverside County we will not be setting up a police state and this is not a declaration of martial law in Riverside County.”

Bianco said he preferred that county residents abide by the facemask mandate voluntarily. No vehicular checkpoints or driver stoppages are planned because a resident is not wearing a facemask.

“While this order does have potential criminal and civil consequences, that is the last thing I want to happen while we deal with this crisis,” Bianco said. “We will not be stopping you while you’re on a walk with your kids or while you’re out running or hiking.”