Coachella Valley coronavirus news and info | Monday, June 1

(?: 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. Thank you for your continued support of Cactus Hugs. For ways to keep this website going (and free!), click here.

Note: Obviously, there is a lot going on in the country right now. And, with everything going on, a deadly virus also continues to spread in the US and our community.  Today’s update will be shorter than usual due to the current situation. Thank you for reading and be safe.

As of 3 pm Friday, Riverside County officials have confirmed:

  • 7,982 people have officially tested positive for COVID-19.  496 people have been reported positive since Friday.
  • 331 people are confirmed to have died in the county from the coronavirus. This number includes 8 more people since Friday.

As of 3 pm Monday, San Bernardino County has confirmed:

  • 5,355 people have official tested positive for COVID-19.
  • 204 people are confirmed to have died in the county from the coronavirus.

As of 4:30 pm Monday, the State of California has confirmed:

  • 114,732 people have official tested positive for COVID-19.
  • 4,218 people are confirmed to have died in the county from the coronavirus.


The numbers increase everyday.  They are more than just numbers.  They are people we have lost:


 

A correctional officer in the California state prison system died Saturday after testing positive for the coronavirus, according to a statement from officials. While the Riverside County coroner will need to determine official cause of death for Danny Mendoza, 53, he could be the first staff member of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to fall victim to COVID-19. “I am deeply saddened by this dedicated officer’s passing,” CDCR Secretary Ralph Diaz said in the statement. “My prayers are with the Mendoza family during this challenging time, and I know that everyone at CDCR sends their condolences and support.”  Mendoza had been employed at the California Rehabilitation Center in Norco since 2018:

CDCR Correctional Officer Dies After Testing Positive for COVID-19SACRAMENTO – The California Department of…

Posted by CACorrections on Sunday, May 31, 2020

The latest numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that 66,447 health care workers have been sickened by COVID-19, and that 318 have died during the coronavirus pandemic. The numbers are expected to rise because the data identifying coronavirus patients as health care workers was only available for 21.5 percent of cases. Also, death status was only available for slightly more than 50 percent of health care personnel.

The Public Health Director of Los Angeles County told the LA Times that as black communities continue to bear the brunt of the virus’ impact, it’s impossible not to connect that with the current protests and outrage.  She pointed to racism and unequal access to healthcare as a root case of the inequities that put a larger strain on minority communities, noting that the health issues in the black community can be attributed to a “lifetime of stress” connected with oppression and daily fears. “When I report each week that we have seen elevated numbers of black deaths in this county due to COVID-19, I am reporting on the consequences of these long-standing inequities,” she said. When asked if these crowded protests may result in a large increase in cases, she stated, “I’m always worried about a surge.”

CNBC asked Chief Financial Officers to look ahead at the stock market as the coronavirus pandemic goes on. 70% said they believe there will be another big drop in US stocks this year.  51% predict that the market could once again fall below 19,000.

Cathedral City High’s drive thru ceremony for grads has been postponed.  The event was scheduled to begin  tonight, but was moved back to tomorrow due to the county’s curfew.

Finally, watch with the sound on…

That’s all for this evening. Stay safe. Stay smart. Stay home.

Thank you for your continued support of Cactus Hugs.

These are stressful times for all of us. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and our desert community stronger. This link has some resources to help with coping and also numbers to call or text if you, or someone you know, feels overwhelmed.

Please, take care of yourself and each other. You are important. You are valued. You are loved. ??

Anything we missed? Let us know about it.