El Dorado County issues "Shelter in Place" for South Lake Tahoe and rest of county

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County Health Officer Dr. Nancy Williams has issued a "Shelter in Place" for all county residents effective on Friday, March 20 starting at 11:59 p.m.

Residents are being directed to remain at home except to engage in essential activities in order to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Earlier today, Placer County did the same thing which affects North Lake Tahoe.

There are still no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in El Dorado County and this action is meant to help keep the spread minimal when cases are confirmed.

“I have taken this unprecedented step to stem the tide of the virus among our population to protect our most vulnerable residents,” Williams said. “Quite simply, how successful we are in protecting the health of the most number of people in El Dorado County will depend on our residents abiding by this directive.”

The directive applies to the unincorporated areas of the County, the City of Placerville and the City of South Lake Tahoe. It is in effect through Thursday, April 16th.

Dr. Williams said she expects to have widespread testing for the virus in the coming days. Currently, only those that meet certain criteria are being tested.

South Lake Tahoe Mayor Jason Collin said the City and County have been working hand-in-hand throughout the coronavirus situation.

"I agree with, and support, the County's Shelter in Place directive and believe it is the best plan," said Collin.

"This is important, its time to hunker down," added Collin.

Essential services include food banks, the LTUSD lunch and breakfast deliveries and other services for the disadvantaged. People can still get the necessary supplies and services for their families and pets but many businesses not providing essential services are to close. Home businesses can remain open as can restaurants. For a full list of businesses to close are listed in the link below.

The South Lake Tahoe City Council is having an emergency meeting at noon on Friday to ratify this week's declaration of emergency as well as any other business deemed necessary.

People can still participate in outdoor activities such as hiking and biking as long as they maintain the social distancing - keep six feet apart, wash hands for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer, cover coughs and sneezes into elbow or sleeves, and don't shake hands.

For the full directive, visit https://www.edcgov.us/Government/hhsa/Documents/El%20Dorado%20-%20shelter-in-place%20directive%203-1....