Ninety-six new coronavirus cases in L.A. County, a lockdown in Palm Springs, Mayor Garcetti rolls out an $11 million fund for small businesses and Lime scooters are off the road.
There’s been a whirlwind of coronavirus news updates, and it can be hard to keep up while you’re #quarantinecoping (we hope). Here are some brief summaries of essential L.A. coronavirus news:
So far there have been 190 confirmed coronavirus cases in L.A. County, 96 of whom were confirmed in the last 48 hours - FOXLA
There’s also been a slight rise in traffic since the empty streets earlier in the week. Stay home L.A.:
The Lakers were tested this morning for the virus outside their practice facility in El Segundo. The procedure involved inserting a Q-tip-like swab all the way up a player’s nose, a procedure described as “painful.” - USA Today
Staples Center visitors’ bus may be infected with coronavirus after Lakers/Nets matchup. Players from the Nets have come down with the virus and hockey players from the NHL’s Ottawa Senators have become ill after playing at the arena. - Clutch Points
No more sidewalk hot dogs; the Los Angeles City Council has temporarily put the kibosh on street food vending in the wake of COVID-19. Food trucks, however, are still in operation with some precautionary safety measures like frequent sanitation. - Eater
A UCLA Bruin has tested positive for COVID-19. The student is receiving care at a nearby hospital. A staff member previously tested positive as well. - Los Angeles Times
The Los Angeles Chargers have donated $250,000 to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank to help those who need it most during this pandemic — reminding some that we now have two NFL teams. - CBS Los Angeles
Mayor Eric Garcetti recently announced that he’s working with city officials to quickly roll out an $11 million fund to help local small businesses stay afloat during coronavirus economic concerns. - KTLA
Medical experts have given a thumbs up for local hikes and other outdoor activities like biking and surfing. And trails are popping right now with post-rain wildflowers and flowing creeks. Of course, the more space between you and other hikers the better — and don’t venture out if you have a cough. - Los Angeles Times
L.A. doesn’t have to ‘shelter in place’ right now. Mayor Eric Garcetti recently announced that there’s no plan to “lockdown the city yet” like our NorCal sister San Francisco. He does, however, encourage Angelenos to stay at home and keep social distancing because “It works.” - L.A. Daily News
Palm Springs, however, is sheltering in place after a third coronavirus-related death in the Coachella Valley was reported Monday. “There is nothing more important than the health and well-being of our residents, workforce and visitors,” says Palm Springs Mayor Geoff Kors. “Given the rapid spread of COVID-19, and the long incubation period, the action of the City Council closing all non-essential businesses and having people stay in place will help prevent more infections, illnesses and deaths.” - PalmSpringsCA.gov
Warning, dad joke ahead: What do they serve with Coronas? Limes. Today, Lime scooters will be pulled off the sidewalks of California, Texas, New York and other U.S. states. Lime founder Brad Bao said his company will “begin winding down and pausing our service to reflect public health guidance.” - KTLA