RIVERSIDE – (INT) – The surge in coronavirus infections is prompting Riverside County officials to impose their own lock-down on many government buildings.

Beginning Monday July 13th, the County Administrative Center (CAC) and many outlying county buildings have been closed to the public through Labor Day.

The closure follows an outbreak of the COVID-19 virus June 26th at the CAC in which 200 county employees underwent testing for the virus. At last report, three tested positive and two floors of the downtown Riverside government center were closed.

There has been a steadily increasing number of infections and sharply rising hospitalizations throughout the county.

During the closure, the public is asked to visit county department websites or call for assistance on how to complete requests virtually. Officials say these virtual methods will allow the county to safely conduct important business during the pandemic.

County Executive Officer George Johnson says his county “departments have diligently worked to add safeguards to workspaces, including providing more telecommuting options. Returning to virtual means is one way the county is slowing the spread of the disease.”

County employees will telecommute when practical or continue to work in the office while maintaining social distance from other coworkers.

Some essential facilities will continue to be open to the public, including health services, public safety services and cooling centers. County libraries will continue to offer curb-side services.

Story Date: July 19, 2020