El Dorado County and South Lake Tahoe exit state's stay-at-home order

1/13/21 UPDATE: The state has updated its website to reflect that hotels and vacation rentals can open with modifications in the purple tier. For all businesses, visit https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Just moments ago, the Greater Sacramento Region, of which El Dorado County is a part, was granted authority by the State to exit the Regional Stay At Home Order, effective immediately. This is based on the State’s four-week projection putting the region’s ICU capacity at 19.1 percent, above the 15 percent threshold announced last month.

California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly held a video conference earlier Tuesday, saying the news was coming. He said the downward trajectory of new hospitalizations was promising, with 3500 new ones on Sunday and 2500 new yesterday.

"On behalf of our many businesses that have ceased their operations and residents who have curtailed their activities during the Order that became effective on December 10, 2020, we are delighted by this news," said El Dorado County Communications Director Carla Hass.

Not every business has the green light to open completely thought as the county is still in the purple, or widespread, category. Some rules have been relaxed such as limited operations and gatherings, but the all still fall under the most restrictive guidance.

"This is a welcome step in the right direction and we are excited to see the hard work we've been doing as a City pay off," said the City of South Lake Tahoe Communications Manager Chris Fiore. "We are not out of the woods just yet though and we have to keep doing our part to keep ourselves and those around us safe."

Restaurants can now operate outdoors, hair salons, barbershops and personal care services can operate indoors with modifications, places of worship can hold services outdoors, wineries can operate outdoors with modifications, and bars, breweries and distilleries can operate outdoors if they serve food. To see all, visit https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/.

“Additionally, the Limited Stay At Home Order placing a 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. curfew on individuals remains in effect until all regions exit the Regional Stay At Home Order," said Hass.

Dr. Ghaly said that everyone still needs to take precautions and act safely by wearing a mask, good hygiene and social distancing.