Coachella Valley coronavirus update | News and info for Thursday, 3/19

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.

• The Chief of the Palm Springs Police Department told KESQ that they are preparing for a “panic stage.”
• The Department also reminds that if you have a non-emergency, don’t call 9-1-1.

Thank you for being patient and understanding as things are changing by the day. We are doing our best to serve our community and reduce the spread of COVID-19. The only way we can do that is by complying with the guidelines set by our county, state and federal medical officers.

— Palm Springs PD (@PalmSpringsPD) March 19, 2020

• California officials believe that as many as 60,000 homeless in the state could become infected with coronavirus in the next eight weeks.
• Well in the Desert is asking for donations of warm clothing, jackets, umbrellas, toiletries, water, non-perishables, etc.
• A study shows that 20% of those hospitalized with coronavirus in the US are under the age of 44.
• The local blood bank needs donations:

As the COVID-19 outbreak continues, medical professionals at @LLUMedCenter explain why hospitals need blood. Donating blood is safe. If you are healthy and feeling well, patients need your blood donation. Schedule your appointment at https://t.co/RXeAM8eK3z or call 800-879-4484. pic.twitter.com/MFgbI2kkda

— LifeStream (@lifestreamblood) March 17, 2020

• Riverside and San Bernardino County have suspended inmate visitations and programs that allow for volunteers to enter jails.
• Unemployment websites are crashing due to high demand.
• Most of the Westfield Palm Desert mall has closed:

• KESQ visited Spotlight 29 Casino, which is still open.  “Whenever I go in the casino I wear a face mask,” a customer told the TV station. “I kind of want to start wearing gloves.”  He added he was glad that Spotlight was still open “because it’s somewhere I can go.”
• Vacation renters who booked spots in Palm Springs before the COVID-19 pandemic are having a hard time cancelling and getting refunds.
• This should help a bit with the hoarders:

Attention supply hoarders, if you made your purchases and planned to return the unused portions back to Costco? I hate to be the bearer of bad news. But, #Denied pic.twitter.com/iLbycohIsb

— Hex Gerardo (@OSV227Hex) March 19, 2020

• Most Coachella Valley parks and hiking trails remain open.
• The City of Riverside will not be collecting fees for the next 90 days, including parking tickets and business licenses.
• Some residents of the Coachella Valley are finding ways to help those in need during these hard times:

Update: kids do not need to be present. So I could pick up the food and drop it off at home. I’ll be doing this as long as I can ?

— ? (@leslieedudee) March 18, 2020

• KESQ, working to implement social distancing, had Haley Clawson provide the weather forecast from her home on Wednesday:

LIVE from… home?

Tonight was a trial run to test equipment that would allow me to convey the weather story outside of the studio. @kesq has been working to implement social distancing as much as possible.

Maybe I'll migrate to the backyard for tomorrow's newscasts… ?? pic.twitter.com/NjpygeSJwS

— Haley Clawson KESQ (@KESQHaley) March 19, 2020

• Here’s a guide to take-out, curbside, and delivery specials being offered by Coachella Valley restaurants.
• Personal note: I took home some soup, stuffed peppers, and lasagna from Dringk yesterday.  Made the lasagna and, not only was it delicious, I didn’t realize just how comforting one night of no-hassle comfort food could be for my nerves and anxiety.  Anyway, they are still doing their thing, as are many of our local Coachella Valley restaurants.  For all those working hard to keep their doors open and the Coachella Valley fed, just know that we appreciate you and all that you are doing.

View this post on Instagram

Affordable meals is our goal! We are able to keep some employees (they are quarantined to no public exposure or outings and wanted to be there to help) staffed and make meals for you! It’s not about restaurant profit during these times! We see those trying to make a fast buck in panic however, rest assured we are grocery store pricing and less. Truly trying to put the effort out to do our part. We’ve been so thankful for the support. Share share share! We have food for people. Grocery essentials while we can get them will start Friday. Online and curb side ordering will hit by Monday. #doingourpart #goodwill #feedyourcommunity

A post shared by DRINGK Eatery + Bar (@dringkbar) on Mar 19, 2020 at 1:58am PDT

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.
    • 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.
    • The United Way of the Desert has assembled a nice list of information and resources available during the coronavirus here.

pic.twitter.com/kFNIDq0Z4S

— 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.