City of South Lake Tahoe: Keep Tahoe safe and visit when restrictions are lifted

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City is excited about Memorial Day weekend but realize this one will be different than years past.

Property owners are now allowed to come to Tahoe, but visitors are still asked not to be here at this time.

“We love our visitors and recognize how much they contribute to this City and this economy,” said City Manager Joe Irvin, “We just know how important it is to get things open safely, and we all understand we are stronger together and safer apart right now.”

The Memorial Day Holiday is typically one of the biggest weekends in the City of South Lake Tahoe. Although second homeowners are now welcomed back in the City limits to their properties, lodging is not available to short-term renters or patrons at this time.

“We would love nothing more than to welcome everyone to Tahoe right now, but that’s not the safest way to bring people back to South Lake,” said Irvin, “We need to be responsible and make sure we are doing our part to keep our neighbors safe and Tahoe safe, while adhering to the Governor’s Stay at Home Orders.”

On March 19, 2020, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-33-20 directing all residents immediately to heed current State public health directives to stay home, except as needed to maintain continuity of operations of essential critical infrastructure sectors and additional sectors as the State Public Health Officer may designate as critical to protect health and well-being of all Californians.

“The City promotes responsible behavior and wants people to be responsible to themselves and their neighbors as we go through this time,” Irvin said, “Keep proper social distance, wear a mask if you can, and make sure you’re doing your part to not spread this virus and helping to keep Tahoe safe.”

For more information on COVID-19 and California's response visit the California Department of Public Health's website.

A 24/7 Barton COVID-19 Health Line, 530.600.1999, has been established for the general public to call if experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness such as fever, coughing, sneezing, or shortness of breath. Health Line callers can ask questions and be scheduled for screening, testing and medical care at Barton’s referral only respiratory screening center. This standalone facility was recently opened to provide a safe screening location, increasing access to services for those in need while minimizing exposure to others, if referred by a medical provider.