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.
- Governor Gavin Newsom on Sunday called for all bars, wineries, nightclubs, and brewpubs in California to close. The state is also asking all Californians age 65 and older and those with chronic conditions to isolate themselves at home. Restaurants can remain open, but with appropriate “social distancing.”
NEW: Those that are 65 and older or vulnerable to #COVIDー19 must practice home isolation.
Bars, night clubs, wineries, and breweries should close in CA.
Restaurants — focus on takeout for those isolating. Maximize social distancing.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) March 15, 2020
- The announcement left a number of Palm Springs bars shocked and confused, reports the Desert Sun.
- Augustine Casino will temporarily close down starting Sunday night due to the coronavirus. It is the first Coachella Valley casino to announce it is closing its doors:
- Starbucks announced that they will take away seating at all stores nationwide and close some stores in “high-social” areas like shopping malls and college campuses. The new seat-free, “to-go” model for the franchise will be in place for at least two weeks.
- Despite warnings about large public gatherings, some churches in the Coachella Valley still held services on Sunday, reports the Desert Sun. Others streamed their services online.
- The Desert Aids Project has announced that they will be opening a coronavirus triage clinic.
- Congressman Raul Ruiz will appear on KMIR throughout the evening on Sunday to address issues related to the coronavirus:
@GinoLaMont sits down with @RepRaulRuizMD who’s been actively working to inform everyone on the #coronavirus. Tune in tonight at 5, 6, 9 and 11p. pic.twitter.com/0X3ZNJNkhY
— NBC Palm Springs (@NBCPalmSprings) March 15, 2020
- KESQ tracked down snowbirds to see if they plan on staying in town or leaving early due to the coronavirus.
- After the cancellation of the BNP Paribas Open and the postponement of Coachella and Stagecoach, tourism officials in the desert are looking at rolling out a “pretty robust” marketing campaign at some point towards people within driving distance, according to Front Office Sports. Cities mentioned include Los Angeles and Orange County, San Diego, Las Vegas, and Phoenix.
- Local grocery stores continue to be packed, leaving some shelves pretty bare:
Line to get into Costco (Palm Desert, CA).#CoronaOutbreak #COVIDー19 #coronapocalypse #panicshopping #panicbuying pic.twitter.com/4E4wCSwUhv
— Jodi Perkins (@Perkjo) March 15, 2020
Empty coolers and shelves at grocery stores in Palm Springs California. Tough to practice #SocialDistancingNow when people have run out of food and need to get rations. pic.twitter.com/Y2ILJ7Lhs6
— North Ender (@bestwalkscore) March 15, 2020
- A Palm Desert resident received a very unique (and valuable!) birthday present:
In Palm Desert CA, we have been unable to get tissues, paper towels, toilet paper for two weeks. A very clever friend sent me this for my birthday tomorrow…❗️ pic.twitter.com/cAKGbjgXFF
— Ann Fowler Avery (@AnnFowlerAvery) March 15, 2020
Important information:
- 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.
- 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.
