La Quinta votes to continue requiring face coverings and social distancing inside grocery and drug stores

Despite the Riverside County Board of Supervisors’ decision to rescind certain health orders last week, some valley cities are choosing to keep them in place for a little while longer. La Quinta is now included in that list.  

After a closed session city council meeting on Monday, it was decided that residents will still be required to wear protective face coverings and practice social distancing inside La Quinta grocery stores and pharmacies. The order was passed unanimously.

“In light of the Board of Supervisors’ decision in Riverside County last Friday, the city of La Quinta decided to take a more strict route,” said La Quinta Mayor Linda Evans. “Twenty percent of our population is 65 and over.” 

Some residents out grocery shopping said they’re grateful for the continued protective measures in place. “I think it’s a good idea. I mean this is obviously not going away any time soon,” said Joy Hall, a La Quinta grocery customer. 

“You know it definitely can’t hurt. Better safe than sorry,” said Reay Garayt.

Others felt the city should remained aligned with the county on its policy. “I think it’s overreaching their boundaries and I think it’s unnecessary," said Michael Sterns.

Individual cities across the county are allowed to keep protective measures in place longer if they feel it’s necessary. 

The decision comes as La Quinta is nearing 100 cases of coronavirus and two deaths were reported in the last few days. 

You can read La Quinta’s executive order here.