El Dorado County public health officer urges personal responsibility during holiday weekend

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - This won't be a normal labor Day weekend in Lake Tahoe due to COVID-19 and fire restrictions, but things can still be enjoyed, just differently.

“Before COVID-19, many of us would spend the Labor Day weekend getting together with friends and extended families to enjoy a little down time from work, as is the American tradition. This year, things have changed, but we can still enjoy our holiday weekend safely," said El Dorado County Public Health Officer Dr. Nancy Williams.

“Whether it’s the last getaway of the summer to a cabin in the woods, a tent in the forest, a place near a lake, or a backyard barbeque (except in Lake Tahoe) before cooler weather sets in, this year’s activities must be done a little differently in light of the COVID pandemic," said Williams. "Many Labor Day traditions can be continued safely while others should be postponed or modified until positive case rates have been significantly reduced or have subsided. You just have to choose carefully. A substitute safer activity may even become part of your new tradition. This year, try making it a smaller celebration with just your immediate family, those you live with. Remember that some people infected with coronavirus develop no symptoms but can still spread the illness. You don’t want to accidentally share COVID-19 with your extended family or friends."

During Friday's Tahoe Chamber Town Hall with Dr. Williams she stressed for all to continue to do as they have been to keep the community safe and positive COVID-19 numbers down to progress through the reopening process.

“In addition to keeping people from getting sick, there are other benefits of helping to keep COVID-19 rates low," added Williams. "Last week the State issued a new framework for reopening businesses and resuming activities and El Dorado County was placed in the second of a four-tier system, the Red tier. We can enjoy a few more activities under this new framework than we could under the former COVID-monitoring system, such as the addition of a limited amount of in-person dining. If we do well in keeping rates low, we’ll be able to go to even more
businesses and enjoy more activities.

The two weeks after the holiday will be critical in determining when El Dorado County can move to a less restrictive stage of reopening.

"Honestly, it’s up to you. It truly depends on the choices we all make now. Risks you take today that may expose you or others to COVID-19 may result in El Dorado County’s rates rising just when we are hoping to be reclassified into a less restrictive tier," said Williams.

During the Town Hall is was also brought up that locals were gathering together after work in an unmasked, crowded location. Williams said it is important to avoid gatherings with people you don’t live with, wear a mask when you’re out in
public, and stay six feet or more away from people you don’t live with, choose to be outside rather than inside if it’s not too hot, and wash your hands and sanitize high-touch areas.