In Palm Desert, the safety of our guests has always been a top priority. Now, in the midst of the fears surrounding COVID-19, we’re even more focused on making sure that you’re healthy and informed while you’re finding your happy pace in Palm Desert. The entire hospitality community is taking cues from public health experts and following local, state, and federal mandates to prevent the spread of the virus.

On April 6, 2021, Riverside County qualified to return to the Orange Tier of the State's Blueprint for a Safer Economy, allowing many businesses to expand their indoor operations and activities. Here is what travelers to our area may expect.

• Hotels, lodging and campgrounds are open for leisure travel
• Retail establishments are 100% open with no capacity limits
• Indoor dining at restaurants is permitted at 50% capacity or 200 people, whichever is fewer
• Bars that don't serve food may open outdoors with modifications
• Breweries and distilleries that don't serve meals can open outdoors, and indoors with modifications, at 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is less
• Museums and zoos are permitted to open indoors at 50% capacity
• Movie theaters are permitted to open at 50% capacity or 200 people, whichever is fewer
• Gyms and fitness centers are permitted to open indoors at 25% capacity

• Bowling alleys, family entertainment centers and escape rooms may open indoors at 25% capacity for "naturally distanced activities" with modifications

• Outdoor recreation including golf is permitted
• Face masks are required indoors, and if outdoors and unable to maintain six-foot distance

Additional details on activities that are currently permitted in Riverside County can be found on the State of California’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy website. 

The State of California Department of Public Health Travel Advisory was updated on April 2, 2021 and states that all travelers arriving in or returning to California from other states or countries should follow CDC travel guidance. All travelers who test positive or develop symptoms of COVID-19 should isolate and follow public health recommendations.

Fully vaccinated travelers are less likely to get and spread COVID-19, and can travel safely within the United States and California.

It is recommended that non-vaccinated, nonessential travelers should get tested with a viral test 1-3 days before their trip; get tested again 3-5 days after travel; and self-quarantine for 7 days regardless of the outcome of that test. Those who don’t get tested should self-quarantine for 10 days after travel.

If you’re preparing to visit but need more information on what to expect, send us a note in the chat box at the bottom right-hand corner of your screen. Our team is prepared to share their most up-to-date knowledge of these changing guidelines so you can make the most of your vacation.