City of South Lake Tahoe: Stay home, maintain social distancing, follow CDC guidelines

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Many resort towns are dealing with results of parents out of work and students out of school due to the coronavirus - increased visitation. Officials are reminding all that shelters in place and advisements to stay home are serious and not a reason to go on vacation, and South Lake Tahoe is no different.

During a press conference Wednesday led by South Lake Tahoe Mayor Jason Collin, that situation was discussed as well as keeping the public informed daily. He said there is a possibility of putting an emergency "shelter in place" order in the next couple of days.

"Stay at home and maintain social distancing," said Collin.

Collin and the Lake Tahoe Visitor's Authority (LTVA) have been working together to get a consistent message out - this is not a good time to travel to any destination.

"We understand the temptation," said LTVA Executive Director Carol Chaplin.

LTVA is not currently promoting Tahoe as a destination, has ceased all advertising campaigns and closed its visitor centers temporarily. Visitor information can be found Monday through Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. by calling 775.588.4591. They are also updating their website often, https://tahoesouth.com/.

Collin said the City is committed to keeping all essential services working, from public works to public safety. They are also concerned with keeping their staff, as well as the public, safe and reducing exposure to the coronavirus.

"The City is doing everything we can do to fight the fear and fight the spread," said South Lake Tahoe communications manager Chris Fiore.

"We're all in this together," he added.

"Wherever you are, stay put," said Mayor Collin. "By following the regulations put forth by the CDC (Center for Disease Control) we can manage this well."

Those precautions include social distancing, proper hygiene, and the directive to stay at home unless something essential is needed.

Even though there are no confirmed coronavirus cases in El Dorado County, Collin said: "We know the virus is here in the community and we're doing all we can to slow it down." He said that most communities that have no positive cases are assuming that as well.

"It will take a collective response to help all," Collin said once verified cases appear in the South Lake Tahoe.

The City and El Dorado County have been working together on plans to protect residents and business owners. The City updates its website daily, as does the County, and Mayor Collin has been appearing often on Lake Tahoe Television to update the public.

With many hourly employees in the service and ski industry no longer working, the financial situation of many will become a big issue, said Collin.

"This will take a collective response once we see what the impact is," the Mayor said.

Once the emergency is over, South Lake Tahoe will need help to bounce back, both for the residents and the economy. LTVA said they will be committed to getting the tourists back to Tahoe.

"We are discussing with our management team, with the chambers, with LTVA," said Collin. "It will take a real coordinated strategy to bounce back. That is our next priority behind the health and welfare of the community."