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

Tents have been setup in the parking lot of Southwest Church in Indian Wells as part of a drive-up coronavirus testing program.

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.

  • 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:

  • 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:

  • 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:

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

  • 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.

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.