Allow me to begin by stating that I hope you and your family are staying healthy.
Since our May 2020 Economic Development update, a lot has occurred. The governor allowed California to move into the Reopening Stage 2.5 that allowed more businesses to reopen. Unfortunately, COVID-19 infection rates climbed quickly, and now, many previous restrictions were put back in place. As of today, Cathedral City has the third-highest number of confirmed COVID-19 infections within the Coachella Valley. Sadly, Cathedral City has lost seven residents to this disease.
Thankfully, we, as a City, can have a significant impact on reversing this trend through the simple acts of wearing face masks, practicing social distancing, and frequently washing your hands. For the individuals at risk of serious health complications resulting from a COVID-19 infection, limiting travel outside your home and minimizing contact with people who do not live in your household are critical steps to staying healthy.
Based on Riverside County Public Health Department’s initial research, the most significant source of spread within the Coachella Valley has been family gatherings. Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez shared a story of a recent family gathering near his home in Coachella. Twenty-eight people got together for a typical afternoon of good food, drink, and music. Unfortunately, at least one of the 28 individuals was spreading the COVID-19 virus. (As you have read, people infected with COVID-19 can be infected and spreading the virus for up to 14 days without having one symptom.) What was intended as an enjoyable family gathering ultimately resulted in 26 of the 28 guests testing positive for COVID-19 afterwards. To avoid the same health tragedy from impacting your family, please mask up and social distance from those not living in your immediate household.
Beyond wearing masks, each of us can accelerate our economic recovery by shopping local. Check out our website, Cathedral City Shop Local, to find categories and lists of all the businesses within Cathedral City which need your support. Shopping at our local businesses will help keep our retailers alive and keep your tax dollars within the City. These tax dollars fund critical services such as our Police, our Fire Department, and road maintenance. There is no better testimonial for attracting new businesses than to ensure our existing businesses are prosperous.
Lastly, please do everything you can to keep your properties in great shape. Property appearance is an important “selling point” when prospective homebuyers, business owners, and developers are looking for their next “perfect” location.
Please share the City’s dedicated websites, www.DiscoverCathedralCity.com and www.CCEDD.org, with your friends and families. As a team, we are all a part of the long-term success of Cathedral City, an incredible place to live, work and play.
