Daily Archives: March 13, 2020

Featured, Local News, Top Story

COUNTY ORDERS CANCELLATION OF LARGE GATHERINGS

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Although there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in San Bernardino County, the County’s Public Health Officer yesterday ordered the immediate cancellation or postponement of gatherings of more than 250 people within the county until further notice. The cancellations are to protect the public from any possible spread of the virus that causes COVID-19, or coronavirus. Managing editor Tami Roleff has more information about the county’s order and how it affects us in the Morongo Basin…

The County Public Health Officer’s order does not apply to activities such as attendance at regular school classes, work, essential services, public transportation, airport travel, or shopping. Nor does it apply to dormitories or other congregate living places.

The Town of Yucca Valley has canceled all non-essential events through April 2020 to include youth all-star basketball tournament and practices; Hi-Desert Nature Museum noon lectures; St. Patrick’s Day celebration and the first Saturday event at the Senior Center; St. Pet-trick’s Day adoption event; the Easter egg hunt, and the Earth Day celebration.

Local News, Top Story

WE HAVE A LIST OF CANCELLATIONS AND POSTPONEMENTS

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We have more cancellations to note due to precautions being taken over the coronavirus.

Please click here to view the complete list of cancellations and postponements.

Local News, Top Story

SCHOOL DISTRICT SUSPENDS SCHOOL EVENTS

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In a precautionary step to help limit the spread of the coronavirus to students, staff and faculty, the Morongo Unified School District has canceled numerous upcoming school events through March 31. Reporter Andrew Dieleman has more…

The Morongo Unified School District has canceled numerous school events to help preserve the health and safety of district students, staff, and faculty. These events include school-wide assemblies, field trips, athletic events, Saturday school, employee conferences, and school-related public gatherings. The school district will remain in contact with local health officials and keep students and families of students informed with updates on the virus and any rescheduling of school events.

Local News, Top Story

1 OF 3 MARINES UNDER QUARANTINE TESTS NEGATIVE

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One of the three U.S. Marines stationed at the Twentynine Palms base, who is being quarantined awaiting the results of a coronavirus test, has tested negative. Base Public Affair Officer Nicole Plymale said the results came in Thursday afternoon. Results on the two remaining in quarantine are expected soon. Tuesday, base officials confirmed that one Marine was in self-isolation, that number grew to three Thursday. Officials said the Marines recently traveled overseas and when they started showing symptoms, they reported to the Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital where they were screened and tested. As of today, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection on the base. Base personnel are following standard health protection measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Combat Center’s Commanding General, Brigadier General Roger Turner, said in a statement that the base is “prepared to respond to COVID-19 by executing plans to protect our Marines, sailors, civilians, and families.”

Local News, Top Story

YUCCA VALLEY MAN KILLED IN I-10 TRAFFIC INCIDENT

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A Yucca Valley man was killed Thursday after he was struck by a car while standing on the right shoulder of eastbound Interstate 10 and Whitewater Road. Gilbert Avila, 40, had been involved in a non-injury fender bender with his Prius about 1:55 p.m. An hour later, Avila was standing on the right shoulder of the road while a tow truck driver was getting ready to tow the Prius. An Arizona man, Aaron Oliver, 35, driving a silver Chrysler Sebring lost control of his car as he approached the scene of the crash; the car crossed several lanes of traffic and then struck the tow truck and Avila. The CHP said Oliver was traveling too fast for the road and weather conditions. Gilbert Avila suffered major injuries and was taken to Desert Hospital in Palm Springs where he died. Oliver and two passengers in his car suffered minor injuries. The CHP has not reported an arrest and confirmed that neither alcohol nor drugs were suspected to be a factor in the crash.