Two new COVID-19 deaths add to shutdown woes

Two additional Canyon Lake residents have died this week as a result of contracting the COVID-19 virus according to Riverside County Health Department statistics. Those deaths bring the total number of Canyon Lake citizens who have died to four.

Canyon Lake, which has been the least-infected city with the fewest deaths in the county for most of the duration of the pandemic, has experienced rising numbers of those being infected with the virus. The city, per capita, is now the fifth lowest infected city in the county. And Canyon Lake has the seventh lowest per capita number of COVID-19 deaths. The four Canyon Lake individuals to die were all white males ages 65-79.

The numbers are soaring. As of Wednesday night, Canyon Lake has had 292 individuals who have been infected with COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic. In the single day Tuesday, the city had 44 of its residents test positive for the virus. Wednesday added another 16. Cases have doubled in the past four weeks.

Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued stay-at-home orders for most of California, including all of Riverside County. He has threatened to withhold some state funding for those counties that do not enforce the order.

Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco reacted angrily to Newsom and continues to pledge not to enforce the lockdown orders.

“While the Governor’s Office and the state has threatened action against violators, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department will not be blackmailed, bullied or used as muscle against Riverside County residents in the enforcement of the Governor’s orders,” Bianco said. “Leaders do not threaten, attempt to intimidate, or cause fear, bullies do.”

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department provides contracted police service for the City of Canyon Lake.

“The city is concerned about spiking COVID-19 cases and the additional two COVID-related deaths here in Canyon Lake,” Canyon Lake City Manager Chris Mann said.  “However, from an enforcement standpoint, nothing has changed. The city still contracts with the county for police services, and the Sheriff’s Department has stated that it will not enforce the state’s stay-at-home orders.”

The Newsom order bans all gatherings except for protests and religious services, which must be held outdoors. Much like early in the pandemic during the spring, the order closes many nonessential businesses, such as bars, gyms and hair and nail salons. It also will shut down overnight campgrounds, all in-person dining (indoor and outdoor) at restaurants and cap occupancy in stores at 20%.

As part of the new stay-at-home orders, individuals are required to wear masks and physically distance 100% of the time when they are outside their homes and exposed to other people, according to the state. The only exception is when an individual is clearly by themselves, such as riding in their own car alone or hiking with no other people around. People should still carry masks with them in these moments, though, in case they encounter others while hiking, for example, the state said.

Despite the order, neither the city nor the county plans on enforcing it, according to Bianco and city manager Chris Mann.

“City Code Enforcement Officers will not be issuing citations for violations of the state’s orders,” Chris said. “The state or the county could certainly take enforcement actions of their own, but thus far we have not seen any such efforts in Canyon Lake.”

As to the state’s threat to withhold funding, Chris is not yet concerned.

“While the state could theoretically withhold CARES Act funding from any city that openly defies state orders, the City of Canyon Lake has been careful to remain in compliance,” he said. “We have no indication that contract cities might be penalized for lack of enforcement by the Sheriff’s Department.”

The lack of enforcing the shutdown should not be interpreted to mean residents should not be careful, Chris said.

“The city encourages residents to take all reasonable precautions,” he said. “And to use their best judgment.”

At Monday’s City Council Meeting, the council and those required to be present, were all noticeably wearing face coverings and sitting at distance from each other.

Also, Canyon Lake POA amenities, including its restaurants, are adhering to the shutdown orders and limiting food orders to take out and, for the Country Club, Doordash delivery. Its Happy Camp is closed and not accepting new campers because of the state order. The association playgrounds were closed, but reopened Wednesday after the state reversed itself on playgrounds needing to close. The POA parks remain open.

Sheriff Bianco is also encouraging residents to do what they can to stay healthy.

“The Sheriff’s Department is asking and expecting Riverside County residents to act responsibly and do what they can to protect themselves and their families from contracting the virus,” he said. “Wear your mask and practice social distancing.”