UPDATED MARCH 17, 2020 AT 12:22 p.m.:

COACHELLA VALLEY, CA — The number of dead in Riverside County due to coronavirus has risen to three. Two deaths were confirmed Monday night and another late Tuesday morning. All of the victims were in the Coachella Valley.

"Sadly, health officials confirm a third person has died from the Coachella Valley, bringing the number to three deaths in Riverside County," Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Cameron Kaiser confirmed Tuesday via social media. "Our thoughts are with the families of the two patients," Kaiser said Monday night when announcing the county's first COVID-19 fatalities. "Sadly, these outcomes are expected as we face a serious challenge and continue to make the necessary decisions to protect the health of the community."



The ages and genders of the patients are not being released, said Brooke Federico, Riverside County public information officer.

With the news of the first two deaths Monday came an order from the county public health officer.

Countywide, public gatherings of 10 or more people are ordered cancelled, effective immediately, Kaiser said. The order also states that gatherings with fewer than 10 people must have enough available room to maintain six feet of space between attendees — known as "social distancing."