Coachella Valley coronavirus update | News and info for Monday evening, 3/23

By
Casey Dolan
-
(?: Sharon Calcagno)

Cactus Hugs has been tracking local stories about the coronavirus.  Some links might be behind that other website’s paywall…nothing we can do about that, sorry.  For a rundown of all of our updates, click here.

  • Riverside County confirmed three more positive cases of COVID-19 on Monday afternoon.  The total number of infected is now 48. There have been six deaths in the county.

  • San Bernardino County has confirmed 17 total cases of COVID-19.  There have not been any reported deaths.
  • The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department announced on Monday afternoon that a deputy has tested positive for COVID-19. The department says the deputy is resting at home and “experiencing flu like symptoms.”

  • The Mayor of Palm Springs has had it with people not staying home:

  • Senators are still taking their sweet ass time to pass a bill to give the people who voted for them financial relief.
  • The shutdown has apparently led to much less crime in Southern California.
  • Some local golf courses remain open while many have closed.  The Director of Golf for Palm Desert Country Club told the Desert Sun, “The governor, he made it clear, all non-essential need to go, and golf courses are not on that essential list.”  Makes sense to most, anyway.
  • The Desert Sun reminds that inviting friends over for game nights and dinner parties kind of defeats the whole point of the stay at home order.
  • Tourists are *sigh* still flooding into Joshua Tree.
  • The Governor has closed the parking lots at state parks.
  • Mission Springs Water District’s board declared a local emergency.  As water and sewer services are deemed an essential service, MSWD stated ina news release that they will remain open, the customer service team will be available to assist payment plans, and that there will be no shutoffs until further notice.

  • Augustine Casino donated nearly 3,000 lbs. of food to Martha’s Village and Kitchen after the casino closed its doors to the public last week. “The Tribe graciously chose to see the silver lining during this time of distress throughout our community,” said Jef Bauer, Augustine general manager in a statement. 

  • Veteran journalist Janet Dagley guest posted for Cactus Hugs about the numerous ways to stay informed and entertained during this time using local online libraries and apps.
  • It appears the locals are buying a lot of cannabis products these days.
  • The deadline to get your Real ID has been pushed back.
  • You’re going to have to wait at least another year to watch sports you normally don’t watch.
  • A reminder: A local desert Facebook Group, Coachella Valley Mask Makers, are asking for volunteers to help make medical masks for local healthcare workers.  They have announced pickup and drop-off times at two Palm Desert parks for this week:

  • The lines at the Starbucks drive thru in Rancho Mirage is very long.
  • Instacart plans to hire over 300,000 people.
  • Here’s how KESQ’s Haley Clawson is providing your weather forecast these days:

  • Unfortunately, local firefighters are unable to take your food donations:

  • Restaurants are encouraging people to participate in the #TheGreatAmericanTakeout on Tuesday by ordering takeout meals from local restaurants or getting delivery.
  • Here’s a guide to take-out, curbside, and delivery specials being offered by Coachella Valley restaurants.

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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