Coachella Valley coronavirus news and info | Monday evening, April 6

By
Casey Dolan
-
(?: Sharon Calcagno )

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 3 pm Monday, Riverside County officials have confirmed 946 people have tested positive for COVID-19.  There have been 19 confirmed deaths in the county.

As of 5 pm Monday, San Bernardino County has confirmed 530 cases of COVID-19.  There has been 16 deaths in San Bernardino County.

As of 4:17 pm Monday, there have been 15,993 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in California.  There have been 378 deaths in the state.

At a press conference on Monday, Dr. Anthony Fauci was asked when we would be getting back to normal.  He gave a very honest and blunt answer:

The Riverside Sheriff’s Association has set up a fund for the family of Deputy Terrell Young, who died due to complications of coronavirus:

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday announced that California was lending 500 state-owned ventilators to the Strategic National Stockpile to help New York and other places facing shortages.  “We want to extend not only thoughts and prayers, but we’re also extending a hand of support with ventilators,” Newsom said during a press briefing Monday.  The governor said the move was possible because hospitals throughout California have procured thousands of devices in the last few weeks, increasing their total ventilator inventory from 7,587 to 11,036.  He also said cases in California are expected to peak in May.

The Lake Elsinore drive-up testing site had to close Monday due to rain:

Major grocery chains are now reporting the deaths of workers.  At least four have died of coronavirus around the United States, as the Washington Post reports, industry experts say the rise of worker infections and deaths will likely have a ripple effect on the ability of grocery stores to retain and add new workers.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is hospitalized with coronavirus, was moved to intensive care on Monday:

Meanwhile, in Washington DC:

Palm Springs Police posted what you need to know about the current COVID-19 orders – which includes what essential needs are worthy of leaving your home, practicing social distancing and wearing a mask, and what can happen if you don’t, which could mean a misdemeanor and a $1,000 fine:

Current COVID-19 orders in the Palm Springs areaThank you for being patient and understanding as we all get through this together ?#TogetherPS

Posted by Palm Springs Police Department, CA on Monday, April 6, 2020

A member of a local country club tells KESQ they are worried as members of their club are just living their “life as usual” during the coronavirus pandemic.

Sunline is requiring all riders to have their faces covered in order to ride the bus, as well as while they wait at SunLine bus stops.  All drivers are wearing masks, as well.

View this post on Instagram

Regarding COVID-19, each day brings new information and guidance that may require SunLine to adjust. Over the weekend, Riverside County Public Health Officer official issued new guidance that people should wear non-medical grade masks or other facial coverings when they are outside of their residence conducting essential business. No one will be permitted to board SunLine buses without proper face coverings, and remember to only use public transit for essential services which include – going to the grocery store, to care for someone, or for health care related necessities. To read more from the County, please visit www.rivcoph.org. #COVID #TogetherAlone #RiversideCountyOfPublicHealth

A post shared by SunLine Transit Agency (@sunlinetransit) on

If you happen to be flying these days, the TSA will let you wear a mask through its checkpoint:

The California Department of Public Health recommends frequently washing cloth face masks — ideally after each use, or at least daily. Officials say you should place the coverings in a bag or bin until they can be washed with detergent and hot water and dried on a hot cycle.

Many are feeling stress right now.  If you are, the CDC has recommendations to cope with and even reduce stress here.

For those who may need financial assistance with their water bill, there is a program for that:

California Desert Arts Council announced up to $50,000 in grants to local artists to “Keep Art Alive in the Desert.”

The City of Indio is now doing virtual building inspections.  They have also closed the parking lots to city parks and trails:

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians donated water and toilet paper to Find Food Bank on Monday:

You can’t go to Disneyland these days, but you can take a virtual ride on “It’s a Small World” as Disney released this video on Monday, which includes parts of the ride from all five of its theme park locations:

That’s all for this evening.  Rain is coming.  Stay dry.  Stay safe.  Stay home. Thank you for continued your support of Cactus Hugs.

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.

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.

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