If these were normal times like those prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, this update would be about the wonderful upcoming special events for Cathedral City. It would be a time to let you know of the amazing entertainment for the Tejano Music Fest, the number of pieces of candy to be given out at Halloween Spooktacular, and/or the excitement building for the annual Cathedral City Hot Air Balloon Festival. If these were normal times.
Like other entertainment festivals and venues throughout the nation, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused us to cancel all special events through spring 2021 for the health and safety of our residents and visitors. These steps are necessary to slow the spread of a highly contagious virus that is transmitted from person to person by someone simply speaking, singing, coughing and/or sneezing. When an infected person speaks to another person, the virus is transmitted in miniscule water droplets and breathed in by the non-infected person, thereby infecting them. Most people infected with the coronavirus experience mild to moderate flu like symptoms. However, a certain percentage will be severely impacted by COVID-19 leading some to develop pneumonia or other serious conditions, which can be fatal.
More than 5 million Americans have contracted the coronavirus over the last six months and nearly 170,000 have died from the disease. In Cathedral City, more than 1,500 residents have contracted COVID-19 and 25 residents have died. Most of those deaths have occurred most recently. Prior to July 1st, four residents had passed away, but since July 1st, 21 residents have died as the virus is spreading faster now than before.
We are not powerless against this pandemic. Each of us can do our part so that we can navigate through these times until a vaccine or treatment is made readily available. The City of Cathedral City, led by Mayor John Aguilar, implemented a pandemic prevention campaign called, “Mask Up to Protect Your Family” which informs residents about the preventative measures to literally protect your family and others. These preventative measures are:
• Cover your face when around anyone outside of your immediate household
• Social distance between others outside of your household by at least 6 feet
• Wash your hands often and especially before eating and drinking
• Don’t touch your face except with clean or sanitized hands
• Disinfect items or surfaces touched often such as your smartphone or tablet
• Sneeze or cough into a tissue if possible or an elbow if you lack a tissue
• Stay home when not out for essential items such as getting food, medicine, etc.
If we all practiced these preventative tips, U.C. Davis medical experts believe we can slow this virus by more than 65%. That can possibly save your life or the life of a family member.
We know from history that we will get through these global pandemics together and return to doing activities as we did before, perhaps a little differently. However, I look forward to writing in the future about our great festivals and events that bring neighbors and visitors together to connect, enjoy, and culturally enrich our collective lives.
