State of California travel bans still in place, even as El Dorado County lifts their order

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - On Wednesday, May 27, El Dorado County rescinded its nonessential travel ban into the Lake Tahoe Basin, just as it did when letting the County-specific Stay At Home order expire in April.

The messaging is confusing as local orders are lifted, and state orders are still in place.

The action by the County does not mean that travel into Lake Tahoe Basin is all of a sudden okay though.

“Because the State ban on nonessential travel supersedes the County’s, there is no material change in what people should do in regards to visiting Lake Tahoe,” said Public Health Officer Dr. Nancy Williams. “I cannot emphasize this enough: people should not come to Lake Tahoe unless they have an essential purpose for doing so.”

Reasons for the decision to rescind the Local Order include the County’s sufficient testing and contact tracing capacity along with the ability to monitor COVID-19 indicators by a team of public health and hospital officials. Order can be found HERE.

Still no lodging available in South Lake Tahoe, neither at vacation home rentals or motels and hotels.

During Thursday's South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting it was stressed that there is still a travel ban to Lake Tahoe's California side though it appears the State is moving in a direction to reopen lodging and recommend travel in the not too distant future.

What the County's order does do is allow quick movement when the state changes their order.

The County's administrative fine of $1,000 is removed with the rescinding of the order. The City of South Lake Tahoe officially removed a $1,000 fine for second homeowners' travel to their homes at the lake during their May 28 meeting. There is still a fine on the books for lodging properties renting at this time and that will most likely be removed at their next meeting. The County's action happened the night before the Council meeting and did not allow it to be on their published agenda.

“The Governor’s Stay At Home Order is still in place and clearly requires that residents refrain from travel for nonessential purposes. I regret having to discourage visitors, but traveling outside of one’s home community is still proving to be a major factor in the spread of COVID-19. A visit to one of our County’s and State’s most popular destinations for the purpose of a vacation, hiking, boating, enjoying a meal at your favorite Tahoe restaurant, or change of scenery is still prohibited, whether or not there is a County-specific restriction in place,” Williams said.

The Local Order, issued April 3rd, 2020, was primarily issued because of concern about insufficient critical healthcare infrastructure and resources if a surge of COVID-19 cases were to occur. The Lake Tahoe basin is served by only one general acute care hospital, Barton Memorial hospital, which historically has relied on
other facilities for any necessary backup. Due to the pandemic, such back up could not be assured at that time.

“El Dorado County residents have taken actions that continue to show a low number of confirmed cases, Barton hospital has done an excellent job preparing for a surge should it occur, the State’s order on nonessential travel remains in place, and continual consultation with Barton and other leaders from Lake Tahoe indicating support for rescinding the Local Order have led me to this decision,” Williams said.

“Now more than ever, as the State begins to provide guidelines for additional industries and businesses to open, it’s critical that people take personal responsibility for their health,” Williams said. “The best advice remains current: stay home when ill for any reason, keep a minimum of six feet between you and others outside your household, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap, and frequently sanitize commonly-touched surfaces.”

COVID-19 LOCAL TRAVEL ORDER RESCISSION FAQs FROM EL DORADO COUNTY

Q: Does this mean I can go to Lake Tahoe for vacation now?
A: No. The State’s Stay At Home Order which prohibits nonessential travel ban is still in effect and does not permit leisure or vacation travel at this time.

Q: Can I book an Airbnb or Vacation Home Rental now?
A: No, not unless it is for an essential purpose, listed here or to provide care for a family member.

Q: Will I get fined if I travel from Tahoe from another state or county?
A: The rescission of the Local Order removes the urgency ordinance the County Board of Supervisors passed allowing for an administrative fine of $1,000 linked to violating the Local Order.

Q: Can I go to my second home in the Lake Tahoe Basin?
A: Travel to a second home is permitted if the owner needs to repair the home, prepare it for a new season, or relocate for the season (essentially making the second home your temporary main residence). Under these circumstances, we ask that travel be done with household members only, that you bring with you any necessary supplies, that you practice physical distancing and personal hygiene while there, and self-quarantine for 14 days if you are staying for the season to ensure your health and to protect the health of others in the community.

Q: Can I go to Tahoe for a day hike, boating, fishing, a visit to a restaurant, visit a friend or just a change of scenery?
A: No. The State’s Stay At Home Order still prohibits nonessential travel outside one’s own neighborhood/close area for purposes of recreation. Please enjoy recreation and visiting restaurants in your home community.

Q: Is there a difference between what I can do in the City of South Lake Tahoe versus the rest of the Lake Tahoe area in El Dorado County?
A: The State’s Stay At Home Order is effective statewide, but the City of South Lake Tahoe may have additional restrictions. Please check their City website here for information.

Q: Why shouldn’t I travel?
A: Travel provides the opportunity for the virus to move from one community to another. Without travel, COVID-19 would not have developed into a pandemic in the first place. As stated by CDC, “Because travel increases your chances of getting infected and spreading COVID19, staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from getting sick.”