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, and thank you for your continued support of Cactus Hugs.
As of 1 pm Saturday, Riverside County officials have confirmed:
- 2,602 people have tested positive for COVID-19.
- 74 people are confirmed to have died in the county from the coronavirus. Five people have died in the county in the last 24 hours.
- There are currently 215 confirmed cases hospitalized, with 69 of them in the ICU.
- There have been 610 official recovered cases in the county.
As of 2 pm Saturday, San Bernardino County has confirmed 1,19 cases of COVID-19. There have been 57 deaths in San Bernardino County.
As of 1 pm Saturday, there have been 29,839 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in California. There have been 1,064 confirmed deaths in the state.
Reported US coronavirus cases:
Feb. 17: 15 cases
Mar. 17: 6,135 cases
Apr. 17: 701,131 cases— Ryan Struyk (@ryanstruyk) April 18, 2020
The numbers are increasing everyday. They are not just numbers. They are people. The individual stories are heartbreaking:
Raymond Copeland raised 3 girls as a single father after their mother died. His job with the NYC Department of Sanitation put him on the front lines as an essential employee. He died from complications of Covid-19 at 46. https://t.co/j3mUaUDNtA
— The New York Times (@nytimes) April 18, 2020
Just 16. This man was 16 the last time he was free. Condemned to die in prison. In January, after decades advocating for himself, he was resentenced. Set for release in a few weeks after 44 years. Sister was planning his 61st bday. He just died from COVID.https://t.co/DxqK5sXwwS
— Scott Hechinger (@ScottHech) April 18, 2020
“He watched Fox, and believed it was under control," said the daughter of a beloved NYC bar owner who went on a cruise in March, contracted coronavirus, and died. https://t.co/bfEJUngLAU
— Oliver Darcy (@oliverdarcy) April 18, 2020
The outbreak of coronavirus at the SunDate packing house on Coachella has increased to 15 cases, one of which was fatal.
Certain skin rashes are emerging as possible symptoms of COVID-19, prompting additional research by some doctors and guidance by the American Academy of Dermatology.
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Saturday that the state secured more than 11,000 hotel and motel rooms for people who are without housing, giving them a place to shelter during the coronavirus pandemic, Motel 6 is setting aside over 5,000 rooms:
CA has procured nearly 11,000 rooms to protect our homeless population from #COVID19.
Today, we announced Motel 6 is setting aside up to 5,025 rooms at 47 locations in 19 counties like the one we’re in front of today. We must continue to protect our homeless from this disease. pic.twitter.com/Peh6v2d96k
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) April 18, 2020
At least 15,000 hotels in the United States have pitched in to help house first responders and medical personnel amid the COVID-10 pandemic. Donald Trump’s hotel properties are not among them.
Thank you to hotels around the country for providing healthcare workers and first responders a place to stay while they're on the front lines of the pandemic. ?? https://t.co/DR4YSdRqaG
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 5, 2020
At the end of the governor’s press conference, a woman asked if her son’s 150-person wedding will be allowed to happen in June. He gave her an honest and disappointing answer:
After Saturday’s news conference, a woman asked Newsom if her son’s 150-person wedding can happen in June. He said: “ I don’t believe that will be advisable, or even allowable in June. That could change" pic.twitter.com/XQKmK1sowS
— KTLA (@KTLA) April 18, 2020
What will the next two years be like in the United States? The New York Times interviewed 20 experts in public health, medicine, epidemiology and, while most experts believed that once the crisis was over, the nation and its economy would revive quickly, most also believe there will be no escaping a period of intense pain including many deaths, a long period of staying at home, and the likelihood of the quick discovery of a vaccine very small. There is also a prediction about a two-class system possibly emerging. “It will be a frightening schism,” Dr. David Nabarro, a World Health Organization special envoy on Covid-19, predicted. “Those with antibodies will be able to travel and work, and the rest will be discriminated against.”
Congressman Raul Ruiz encourages those who can to drop off essential items this weekend at a drive for Martha’s Village and Kitchen at the Westfield Palm Desert mall parking lot:
Today and tomorrow, you can drop off "family essentials" donations at the Westfield Mall in Palm Desert. What they're asking for:
-Diapers, baby wipes, and formula
-Toiletries (shampoo, toothpaste, soap)
-Children’s crafts, books, and toys. https://t.co/hH6PInRidT— Raul Ruiz (@RepRaulRuizMD) April 18, 2020
His opponent in the November election tweeted this:
Peaceful protests in Orange County
One person has a CDC suit on and it says CHINA LIED, PEOPLE DIED#Californiahttps://t.co/o4vhLVQs1I
— ERIN CRUZ FOR CALIFORNIA (CA-36) (@RealErinCruz) April 18, 2020
A Murrieta pastor who had threatened to sue Riverside County over prohibitions against religious gatherings now says he will not move forward since the county is now allowing drive-up services. “We’re pleased Riverside County made the decision it did based on the governor’s order,” attorney Robert Tyler, representing Pastor Tim Thompson, told City News Service. “We’re looking forward to seeing further lifting of restrictions in the future.”
“I only have a dollar in my pocket. I don’t know how I am going to survive this.” – The LA Times reports on the struggles of Southern California mariachis.
Mariachis live off the cadences of life: Weddings, festivals, dance halls and funerals. Now that life is on pause & they struggle to get work & financial aid. Some can only afford to live vehicles, some can't afford food. @LATvives writes. #boyleheights https://t.co/DdNH3KUda2 pic.twitter.com/UXSCG5wGYj
— Marcus Yam 文火 (@yamphoto) April 18, 2020
Amazon has started to use thermal cameras at its warehouses to screen for feverish workers who could be infected with the coronavirus.
Together At Home – a broadcast featuring artist performances, stories from frontline workers, and insights from health experts – is happening all day Saturday:
⭕️We’re LIVE! Tune in to One World: #TogetherAtHome for performances from some of the world’s biggest artists, stories from frontline workers, and insights from health experts. It's all in support of the @WHO’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. Watch now: https://t.co/Yu68OWPvHG
— Global Citizen (@GlblCtzn) April 18, 2020
“Come and Toke It” will be streaming on 4/20 starting at 4:20 pm (Central Time…so, 2:20 here).
The Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert launched free online programming this week – including story time, workshops and other at-home activities during the coronavirus pandemic. “We need each other more than ever,” said Carol Scott, CEO of CDMOD.
Falling into the same routine with foods and recipes? That stops on Thursday with our newest program in the "Discover at…
Posted by Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert on Monday, April 13, 2020
This is nice:
Wow! ?Thank you for your support !!#RSOstrong #thankful
Posted by La Quinta Sheriff’s Station on Saturday, April 18, 2020
That’s all for this evening. Stay safe. Stay smart. Stay home. Thank you for your continued support of Cactus Hugs.
Important information:
Congressman Raul Ruiz has posted a list of local resources and information.
The Washington Post offers plenty of ways that you can help during the coronavirus pandemic.
If you see someone price gouging, there is now a number for that.
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.
Here is a memo by the Department of Homeland security identifying critical infrastructure workers.
The United Way of the Desert has assembled a nice list of information and resources available during the coronavirus here.
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.
