Supporters of reopening local businesses rally in Palm Springs despite stay-at-home order
More than a hundred protestors gathered on Sunday night in downtown Palm Springs by supporters of reopening businesses despite the state's stay-at-home order now in place due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“They are killing people not by the virus but by taking away their lives," said Toni Ringline, a protestor from Cathedral City.
People were calling for businesses to reopen whether they are considered essential or not. One sign read "All work is essential for life to open up now."
“We’re asking the government to open up small stores with masks and social distancing and with everything they are already doing," said Rod Garcia, organizer of Open Coachella Valley rally.
Governor Newsom issued a stay at home order on March 19 and earlier this month, county officials mandated face coverings in public.
Demonstrators stood close together in clear defiance of social distancing orders in hopes to spread their message.
“Its time to do the necessary precautions and back to it," said David Dion, protestor from Palm Springs.
From the beginning of the outbreak, doctors and scientists have stressed that the key to stopping the spread of the virus is to stay home and stay apart.
Health care workers were clearly outnumbered voiced their opinions as to why they believe staying at home is necessary during the pandemic. One held a sign reading "Rest at Home is better than Rest in Peace."
“We don’t feel like we are ready to reopen yet, people are still very sick and we want to make sure that we stay well so that we can take care of you when you get sick," said Amy, a nurse.
Palm Springs police on scene watching from behind the wheel while many attendees had face coverings and respected social distancing guidelines, as mandated by a county order. Some of those protesting the continued closures did not wear face coverings, a News Channel 3 crew reported.
“We want to go back to work now," said one protestor.
“We’ll stay at home until the governor says it's okay when the numbers go down," said Yasmin Espinoza, a counter-protestor.
As of Friday afternoon, it was not clear if the organizer had obtained the proper permits for the event. "As with all special events affecting the rights of way in the City of Palm Springs, there is a special event permit application and review process involved," said Lt. William Hutchinson of Palm Springs Police Department.
On Sunday, Riverside County officials reported more than 150 additional coronavirus cases have been confirmed through testing.
News Channel 3 has a crew at the event and will have a live report from downtown Palm Springs at 6:30 p.m. on CBS Local 2. You can watch the broadcasts live streaming here.
Cover your face order
Health officials say bandanas, fabric masks, and neck gaiters will work. You can even cut a triangle out of an old t-shirt. Fabric masks and bandanas can be washed and used again.
The 'cover your face' recommendation comes from the belief that transmission occurs primarily through droplets from an infected individual. Fabrics can easily filter those droplets.
Fabrics not only helps to reduce the risk that a healthy person can breathe the droplets in but also protects others around someone with mild symptoms who may not yet realize they have the illness.
Local officials recommend face covering should be worn anytime a person is outside of their home, even in offices of essential businesses. You should continue to wash your hands often and keep at least 6 feet of social distance.
