Cactus Hugs has been tracking local stories about the coronavirus. For a rundown of all of our updates, click here. Stay safe, stay at a good social distance, and thank you for your continued support of Cactus Hugs.
As of 2 pm Monday, Riverside County officials have confirmed 291 people have tested positive for COVID-19. There have been 9 reported deaths in the county.
As of 8:30 am Monday, San Bernardino County has confirmed 111 cases of COVID-19. There has been 3 deaths in San Bernardino County.
As of 2:42 pm Monday, there have been 6,895 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in California. There have been 142 deaths in the state.
Researchers believe that the coronavirus crisis will create peak demand on California’s health care resources on April 26. In the same forecast, the state is expected to see over 4,300 deaths due to coronavirus, with fatalities continuing into August.
Riverside County has an urgent need for supplies including masks, ventilators, gloves, and more:
The Press Enterprise does the math and learns it’s possible that one person could infect nearly 90,000 people after just 10 cycles of infection.
California has launched a website to recruit medical students, nursing students and retired doctors to help fill much needed positions:
Medical professionals are the heroes of this moment.
We need ALL healthcare workers out in the field. This is an all hands on deck situation as we prepare for what’s ahead.
Doctors, nursing students, EMTs & more–CA needs YOU.
Sign up. Spread the word: https://t.co/EfQYLH7nZC
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) March 30, 2020
A local Del Taco employee told KESQ that he was not allowed to a wear a N90 mask during his shift.
Nationwide, Whole Foods employees are planning a “sick out” on Tuesday claiming the Amazon subsidiary has failed to prioritize their safety during a period of record sales.
In New York, 100 Amazon workers walked off the job on Monday to protest the company not doing enough to protect them:
#BREAKING: Over 100 Amazon employees at JFK8 warehouse walk off the job over @amazon’s dangerous response to protect workers from COVID19 in Staten Island.
?#AmazonStrike #WhatWeNeed pic.twitter.com/z0mrUWmPfw
— Make the Road NY ? (@MaketheRoadNY) March 30, 2020
Meanwhile in Washington DC:
The president invited a special guest to speak during his coronavirus task force briefing today: MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell.
Lindell shared how his company was helping them deal with the outbreak and effusively praised Trump for his pandemic stewardship https://t.co/PHNEhbzj2h pic.twitter.com/0smIPunMiW
— POLITICO (@politico) March 30, 2020
The line remains especially long at the Palm Desert Costco, but at least everyone seems to be practicing social distancing:
Gannett, the parent company of The Desert Sun newspaper, announced company-wide furloughs:
New today: @Gannett announced unpaid newsroom furloughs of 1 week per month during April, May and June. We’re told journalists earning more than $38K are subject to the plan. This is prompted by COVID-19
— Gregory Holman ?? (@GregHolmanNL) March 30, 2020
You can get a copy of the next edition of CV Independent sent right to your house. Here’s how.
Real Estate agents around the country are still doing their thing…just a little bit differently.
You don’t need to worry about your trash piling up on the street anytime soon. “Waste collection is an essential service, especially during these difficult times when people don’t need one more thing to worry about,” Cole Burr, the CEO of Burrtec said in a press release sent our way over the weekend. The company says that employees have been directed to follow the CDC’s guidelines including regular hand washing and social distancing and are encouraging customers to utilize drop boxes, phone, and online service whenever possible.
CouchChella is coming April 10.
? April 10th. 12pm PT #couchella https://t.co/m1jiKkNwSC
— Coachella (@coachella) March 30, 2020
Airbnb will send some money to hosts who have seen cancellations.
You can get a free taco tomorrow:
TOMORROW you can enjoy a free Doritos® Locos Tacos when you stop by Taco Bell. Let our drive-thru help you get through.
— Taco Bell (@tacobell) March 30, 2020
A popular Palm Springs spot is hosting a Virtual Happy Hour this week:
You asked for it and we’re giving it to you! You can your join the Virtual Happy Hour | Wednesday April 1st at 4pm. Sign…
Posted by TRIO Restaurant on Monday, March 30, 2020
Disneyland has not announced when it might reopen, but you can make a reservation at its hotels after June 1.
Until then, you can now watch a virtual Disney parade:
Lizzo chatted it up with Elton John during the iHeart Living Room Concert and, hey , looks like she is practicing social distancing at a home in Palm Springs:
That’s all for this evening, you amazing reader, you. As always, thank you for your support of Cactus Hugs. Take care of yourself, your family, and your neighbors – and, please, be well.
Important information:
Congressman Raul Ruiz has posted a list of local resources and information.
The Washington Post offers plenty of ways that you can help during the coronavirus pandemic.
If you see someone price gouging, there is now a number for that.
The New York Times has an interactive map where you can track every coronavirus case in the United States.
The Washington Post is out with a guide to what you should know about the coronavirus.
Schools are closed, but free student meals are available. Here is the information on meal programs during this time for each Coachella Valley school district.
Here is a memo by the Department of Homeland security identifying critical infrastructure workers.
The United Way of the Desert has assembled a nice list of information and resources available during the coronavirus here.
— Eisenhower Health (@EisenhowerHeal) March 9, 2020
These are scary and anxious times. Be safe and kind to each other out there and, please, remember to wash your hands.
Anything we missed? Let us know about it.
