Area agencies planning and using precaution in case COVID-19 hits South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Over 34 million Americans have caught the flu this year with over 20,000 deaths recorded, but its the coronavirus COVID-19 that is getting all the headlines.

There are no current reported cases of COVID-19 in South Lake Tahoe/El Dorado County, Alpine County or Douglas County, but local agencies want to be prepared, just in case people come down with the virus.

Carson City Health and Human Services (CCHHS) is continuously monitoring the current outbreak of COVID-19. To date, there have been two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nevada, one in Las Vegas and the other in Reno.

Barton Health is suspending all of their wellness classes for March and April and until further notice. All indoor Barton Performance and Wellness classes, support groups and other non-essential public events are canceled. This does not affect patient care, and all clinical services and medical offices are fully operational.

School districts and other public agencies are monitoring the situation and have emergency plans in place. Bread & Broth, the South Lake Tahoe nonprofit tasked with feeding children and adults in need, has plans in place for continued food distribution should the situation change.

Starbucks has temporarily suspended its practice of allowing patrons to bring in refillable containers for drinks.

Expect other business practice changes if the virus spreads.

"It’s important to keep in mind that while the situation is evolving, the risk throughout the U.S. is currently low," said El Dorado County Health Officer, Nancy Williams.

Health officials say that most people won't get more than a fever, cough and shortness of breath. Some people have no symptoms. According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), while COVID-19 has a high transmission rate, it has a low mortality rate. There are several types of coronavirus of which COVID-19 is one. Most people who become ill from coronaviruses that circulate in the U.S. recover on their own.

"We believe coronavirus is very similar to seasonal flu. The best way to protect yourself and others from any virus, including seasonal flu and coronaviruses, is to use good hygiene and to stay away from others who are sick," said Dr. Williams. "Now is the time to establish these habits, if you have not already, that can help you avoid getting sick."

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) said the best way to prevent contracting the coronavirus is to:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

CDC does not recommend that people who are well wearing a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. They say facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay home if you are sick.

Public Health and other departments are participating in frequent statewide conference calls; regularly receiving situation updates and guidance from CDPH; sharing pertinent information and guidance with local healthcare providers, other County agencies and organizations; reviewing local emergency preparedness plans, and sharing resources. Agency partners are also coordinating with CDPH and neighboring counties, and participating in regional meetings to ensure a coordinated response.

To learn more about COVID-19, including the latest information, visit the CDPH website: https://bit.ly/36CjxNg or the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html For information locally about COVID-19 Barton Hospital has set up a website; https://www.bartonhealth.org/tahoe/coronavirus-update.aspx