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Supervisor Novasel recommending the Board consider options to reduce travel to the South Lake Tahoe area for the duration of Governor Newsom’s “Stay-at-Home” order issued via Executive Order N-33-20 and in accordance with the County Health Officer’s Directive Restricting Activities in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, and provide direction to staff. (Est. Time: 30 Min.)
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
In response to the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic and outbreak in California, Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency on March 4, 2020. In addition, El Dorado County declared a local health emergency and proclaimed a state of local emergency on March 12, 2020 (ratified by the Board of Supervisors on March 17, 2020). The Cities of South Lake Tahoe and Placerville have each proclaimed a local state of emergency, as well.
On March 19, 2020, the Governor issued Executive Order N-33-20, a “Stay-at-Home” order. On the same day, the Dr. Williams, County Health Officer, issued a “Shelter-in-Place” Directive for El Dorado County through April 16, 2020. The Directive called for County residents to remain at their places of residence unless performing or receiving essential services.
Acknowledging an influx of visitors to the Tahoe Basin despite the Governor’s Order and the local directives, Dr. Williams issued a statement on March 24, 2020, clarifying that staying in a short-term lodging for recreation, tourism, or as a location other than one’s residence to “shelter in place” is not considered an essential activity and Californians are in violation of the Governor’s Order and the Public Health Officer’s Directive if they do so.
On March 29, 2020, President Trump extended national social-distancing guidance through April 30, 2020. On March 31, 2020, Dr. Williams extended her Shelter-in-Place Directive through April 30, 2020.
Despite these efforts, local residents and officials in the Tahoe Basin have continued to express concerns about non-essential travel to t...
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