A COVID-19 Message from the Chief (April 4, 2020)
Published: 04/04/2020
Watch video message from Chief Gonzalez by clicking this link: https://youtu.be/4gh03PDrK5E
“Hi, Chief Larry Gonzalez with RPD here with another important message for our community. The other day, the Riverside County Department of Public Health put out information that recommends residents cover their nose and mouth when leaving home for essential travel or business. These face coverings don’t have to be hospital grade, but they should cover the nose and mouth. Remember, these masks don’t replace physical distancing and proper hygiene, but are meant to be in addition to maintaining distance from others and washing your hands frequently.
All our first responders have already been equipped with the N95 masks and other personal protective equipment for when needed. But with these new recommendations, you may start seeing them arriving at your call for service, routine or otherwise, wearing a cover over their nose and mouth, and rubber gloves on their hands. This is for your health and the health of our officers in the field. We want to do our part in helping to decrease the spread of COVID-19, and to keep our officers safe and healthy while they are protecting you.
While we’re talking about masks and gloves, we’ve had many donated to our department from several community members and businesses. We really appreciate it and I want to personally say thank you to those who have given.
As we continue to go through this pandemic together, I want to still encourage everyone to stay home as often as you can. Only leave for the essentials then come right back home. My officers are not going to stop you because you’re not covering your nose and mouth in public, or driving to the store or going for a walk in your neighborhood. And you won’t need to provide a letter from your place of work to us at any time. Also, there has not been any type of curfew enacted in our city due to the coronavirus. Other than the normal one if you are a minor out after 10 p.m. there is no curfew for adults and we are not under martial law.
Your police department is still working strong for your public safety needs. It may look a little different right now with handling more calls over the phone or online, or asking you to come outside to us more often after we arrive, but we are still here to keep you safe and protected.
For all coronavirus information for our city, keep checking RiversideCA.gov/COVID-19 to stay updated, and follow all City, Police, Fire, and Office of Emergency Management social media.
Stay safe, healthy, and remain informed."
