Thunderstorms, Coronavirus Force VillageFest Cancellation

PALM SPRINGS, CA — The city of Palm Springs announced it has cancelled Thursday's VillageFest over the threat of stormy weather and coronavirus concerns.

The weather forecast calls for rain and possible thunderstorms across the Coachella Valley. Additionally, the city said it is currently awaiting guidelines from the Riverside County Public Health Officer related to the cancellation of large-scale public events.

It is unknown at press time how many Coachella Valley events may be cancelled in coming days and weeks. The BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells was cancelled, and the Coachella and Stagecoach music festivals in Indio have been postponed.

"The health and safety of our residents, businesses and visitors is our top priority. The city of Palm Springs is closely monitoring the coronavirus situation in the Coachella Valley and will immediately update our community with any new developments or the potential cancellation of large scale events," the city said in a released statement.

The city is encouraging residents, businesses and visitors "to continue practicing vigilance by following preventative good hygiene measures such as frequently washing hands for as long as 20 seconds, covering coughs and sneezes and using hand sanitizer whenever possible."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and county public health officials advise that senior citizens and people with compromised immune systems are particularly at risk and should avoid large-scale gatherings.

A coronavirus information sheet with frequently asked questions is available on the city’s website at www.palmspringsca.gov.

If you are feeling ill, residents are advised to stay home from work and call your healthcare provider before going to urgent care or the emergency room. Eisenhower Health has set up a Coronavirus Hotline, which is staffed by registered nurses 24 hours a day. The
hotline number is 760-837-8988.

For more information about coronavirus and the precautions being taken in Riverside County, visit www.rivcoph.org.

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