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.
- Starting things off just a tad bit differently tonight. It has been a rough stretch for so many of us and if you are feeling scared, anxious, and / or depressed, you are not alone. Everyone’s experience is unique. This LA Times column has advice and signs to watch for. Also, and this is just me chiming in, be especially kind to each other right now. We may not be able to get within six feet of one another, but we can still say nice things, help others when needed, and just take a break from being our normal asshole selves for a while.
- Riverside County has initiated drive-up coronavirus testing. Locally, testing is being done at Southwest Church’s parking lot in Indian Wells, by appointment only and is primarily only only for people who have been referred by medical professionals.
- Desert Hot Springs has declared a state of emergency. Twentynine Palms has done the same.
- Cathedral City has closed its city buildings to the public.
- The City of Coachella will close city offices to the public beginning on Thursday. Business with the city can still be conducted online or phone.
- On Tuesday, the City of La Quinta declared an emergency, but kept City Hall open. The Mayor declared, “It’s still about self-responsibility and being smart and making good decisions.” Wednesday, they suddenly reversed the policy:
La Quinta City Hall was closed until further notice after someone who had an appointment with the planning department came in visibly sick even though signs asked that anyone feeling ill stay away. https://t.co/16wSeKPz13
— The Desert Sun (@MyDesert) March 18, 2020
- The Morongo Unified School District Board of Trustees voted unanimously to close all district schools through Monday, April 20.
- The Westfield Palm Desert mall remains open as does Spotlight 29 Casino.
- Joshua Tree National Park has closed its visitor centers. Campgrounds and trails remain open:
The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners is our number one priority. The National Park Service is working with the federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation.
— Joshua Tree NPS (@JoshuaTreeNPS) March 18, 2020
- It’s going to be a while before we get to go up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway again:
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will continue its temporary closure at least through April 30 due to the ongoing uncertainties regarding the coronavirus.https://t.co/0I5OoXTMLF#PSTramway #PalmSpringsAerialTramway pic.twitter.com/JZyfHMdesN
— Palm Springs Tramway (@PSTramway) March 18, 2020
- Kroger, which owns Ralphs, Food4Less and other grocery chains, is hiring. You can apply here.
- A Desert Sun columnist found toilet paper.
- KTLA screengrabbed from Google Maps what the freeways looked like around LA at 8 am this morning and, just wow…there’s barely any traffic during rush hour:
- The Palm Springs Library will issue you a 90-day digital library card, even if you don’t already have a library card, which you can use to access eBooks, movies, and a ton more.
- La Quinta Brewing is now delivering beer right to your door!
- Here’s a guide to take-out, curbside, and delivery specials being offered by Coachella Valley restaurants.
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.
-
— 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.
