Cathedral City declares local emergency

The Cathedral City council proclaimed a local emergency due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The city council unanimously passed the resolution 5-0 during an emergency meeting at 5:25 p.m.

Read: Mayor John Aguilar’s Statement on the Declaration of a Local Emergency for the CoronaVirus

Cathedral City joins Palm Springs and Indio as valley cities that have declared a local emergency.

"This local proclamation will support the City’s planning and response efforts, and is a signal to the community that the City is prepared to mobilize local resources, coordinate interagency response, and use mutual aid in the event the COVID-19 virus has been introduced to the immediate area," reads the City of Indio's news release.

Among the changes to Palm Springs as a result of the emergency order included an advisory notice to all businesses and locations open to the public to limit their occupancy by half of their current legal limit.

Watch: Palm Springs Mayor Geoff Kors speaks on local emergency

Indio and Cathedral City's proclamation does not affect bars and restaurants. Cathedral City will adhere to orders by the state and/or county. At this time, county and state have only suggested closing bars and nightclubs, it is not a direct order.

Read: Indio issues proclamation of local emergency

As of 3/16/2020, there are 13 coronavirus cases in the Coachella Valley.

Check out our coronavirus section for local coverage

There are an additional two more county residents that tested positive after being on a cruise ship. Those two patients are being treated in Northern California and have not been back in the county.

This brings the total number of Riverside County cases up to 15.

Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Cameron Kaiser recommends that those in the Coachella Valley who are elderly and have underlying health conditions, including individuals who are HIV positive, limit non-essential travel and avoid going out in public.

Health officials said anyone who thinks they might be experiencing symptoms of the virus and want to be seen at Eisenhower Health should call the hospital hotline first at 760-837-8988. Avoid the spread of this illness.

Residents with further questions can call 2-1-1 and 800–CDC –INFO (800 – 232 – 4636) with any questions.

Public health recommendations for all Riverside County residents during community spread:

• Practice social distancing, which is remaining out of places where people meet or gather and avoid using public transportation, if possible.
• Do not attend work, school or events when sick. Stay home.
• Cough into your elbow or tissue.
• Wash hands frequently and use hand sanitizer often.
• Stay away from anyone who is sick.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.