Canyon Lake COVID-19 cases fall; schools set to reopen

With the lowest number of additional COVID-19 cases in months, Canyon Lake residents are finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Slowly, everything from outdoor attendance at events to schools reopening are beginning to be approved.

This past week, only two new cases were reported for those living in the City of Canyon Lake. Only two months ago, about 100 new Canyon Lake cases a week were occurring. Unfortunately, Canyon Lake suffered another COVID-19 death this past week. The county reported an 80+ year old white female died. There have been 14 COVID-19 deaths in the city.

The good news in Canyon Lake is similar to what is happening in Riverside County and statewide. It appears the county, which needs to maintain its current low COVID-19 Adjust Case Rate for two consecutive weeks, will drop from the Purple Tier to the Red Tier soon.

Meanwhile, the Lake Elsinore Unified School District met last night after The Friday Flyer press deadlines to discuss the passing of its reopening plan for elementary school in-person classes. It was expected to be approved and would reopen its elementary schools on a phased basis.

With the Spring Break ending April 2, the first in-person classes would take place beginning April 5 for the TK and Kindergarten classes. April 12 would see the beginning of Grades 1-2, April 19 Grades 3-4 and April 26 Grades 5-6.

Middle schools and high schools, which have been approved to hold competitive sporting events, will still not be eligible for in-person classes. Their threshold for reopening is stricter than is that of the elementary schools.

Vaccinations are being rolled out and those aged 65 or older are now eligible for the vaccine. Also now eligible are those workers in the agriculture and food sector (includes all those in the restaurant business including cooks, servers and dishwashers), education and childcare and emergency services.

Appointments are required to obtain the vaccine. They can be made at https://www.rivcoph.org/COVID-19-Vaccine. Seniors who need assistance can simple call 211 to obtain the help they need to set the vaccination appointment.

With Riverside County in the Purple Tier, beginning April 1, outdoor events can have only 100 individuals in attendance under the new set of restrictions implemented by California Governor Gavin Newsom recently. When the county enters the Red Tier, facilities can bring in 20% of capacity. Those attending these activities are still required to adhere to some preset rules, including the wearing of masks and social distancing.

“As we continue to recover from this pandemic, we’re encouraged to see more places and events reopening in our county,” Riverside County Board of Supervisors Chair Karen Spiegel said. “One way to help reopen even more places, is to get a PCR COVID-19 test. It helps us slow the spread of the disease, and also helps meet the state’s metrics.”