Coachella Valley coronavirus news and info | Thursday evening, 3/26

By
Casey Dolan
-
(?: Liza Rios)

Cactus Hugs has been tracking local stories about the coronavirus.   For a rundown of all of our updates, click here.

  • As of 9 am Thursday, Riverside County officials have confirmed 107 people have tested positive for COVID-19. There have been 8 reported deaths in the county.
  • As of 5 pm Thursday, San Bernardino County has confirmed 55 cases of COVID-19.  There has been 3 deaths in San Bernardino County.
  • Today was the deadliest day in the United States so far, with 237 people dead as of 3pm.
  • The United States also now has the most cases of people infected with COVID-19 of any country in the world:

  • If the current rate of infections hold, a doctor has a dire prediction for Riverside County:

  • Meanwhile, in Washington DC:

  • The House of Representatives may vote to approve the financial stimulus on Friday, but one member may delay things.
  • So when will you get a check?  CNN answers that and other questions about the stimulus.
  • The Riverside County Department of Public Social Services office in Desert Hot Springs will be temporarily closed after several employees reported flu-like symptoms.
  • The City of Rancho Mirage will be doling out up to $400,000 to help local restaurants to stay open.
  • Dringk, which has been doing a pretty amazing job of providing so much more than just takeout (frozen soups, groceries, take and bake, and more) are asking for your support in getting the word out:

View this post on Instagram

We want to reach out to the community and those around us and thank you for the support we have received. We are asking that you share the services we are providing so we can continue. There are so many people that are using us who are compromised and can’t go out or have a random delivery person touching their items. There are many that are unable to cook well enough and are needing our home cooked food and soups. Please support us. Please share. Please think about supporting small so we can continue to operate. Grocery stores are having gains in sales, Amazon is going crazy but small businesses like us are struggling to pay the employees. Let alone not even close to affording rent. Again, thank you to the community who has supported us. We have worked hard on new packaging, labels and easier heat and serve foods.

A post shared by DRINGK Eatery + Bar (@dringkbar) on

  • While most short-term rentals and lodges are being required to close, some are deemed “essential” and are continuing operations. Staybridge Suits in Cathedral City is one of those locations. They told Cactus Hugs that they currently have guests who are working,  a few snowbirds that haven’t been able to return home yet, and a couple of guests who suffered a flood and fire at their home.  They are currently offering a “Good Neighbor” as well as Medical rate and have a few rooms open for those needing a longer stay.  Here’s who to email if you need more info.
  • A local church group brought care packages to Eisenhower Medical Center:

Today we delivered “Care Packages” filled with Snacks, Drinks, & a Prayer for all the ICU department at Eisenhower…

Posted by Obed Martinez on Thursday, March 26, 2020

  • It’s been pretty quiet at the Palm Springs Airport.
  • Meanwhile, Ruth Hardy Park was pretty busy Wednesday evening:

  • A 72-year-old Idyllwild man was arrested for impersonating a police officer after officials say he was walking around Idyllwild, telling people he was a FEMA official, and offering his “law enforcement services.”
  • The La Quinta and Palm Springs farmer’s markets are scheduled to take place this weekend with a few social distancing rules in place.
  • The Real ID deadline has been pushed back.
  • Mexico has fewer than 500 confirmed COVID-19 cases, while the United States has over 80,000.  Now, residents in Sonora, south of  Arizona, have promised to block traffic into Mexico for a second day after closing a checkpoint for hours on Wednesday.  They wore face masks and held signs telling Americans to “stay at home”.

  • The Stagecoach Festival has seen your Tiger King memes:

  • There are a lot of people out there doing little things that can make a big difference – for instance,   Trader Joe’s has someone wiping down your cart before you enter the store.  While it would be impossible to single out everyone out there doing their part to flatten the curve, just know that your efforts are greatly appreciated.

  • That’s all for today.  Thank you for your support of Cactus Hugs.  Take care of yourself, your family, your neighbors, and everyone else.

Important information:

    • 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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