Mask mandates in South Lake Tahoe: What you need to know

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City of South Lake Tahoe has released their emergency order that will require masks worn in the city limits starting Friday, August 21, 2020. Below are facts, questions and answers:

What is the mask mandate?

Governor Newsome mandated all Californians wear a mask in certain circumstances to prevent the spread of COVID-19. For more details on that order click here.

How does the administrative fine work?

At a special meeting, City Council directed the City Manager to issue an emergency order authorizing administrative fines for violations of the statewide mask order, in amounts of up to $100 for individuals and $500 for businesses.

City Council has asked staff to monitor how these new directives work in maintaining the health and safety of our community. The emergency order will be in place by this Friday.

Mask Mandate Enforcement Priorities

Businesses/Enclosed Public Spaces who are not making an effort to inform or enforce the mask order

People creating disturbances who refuse to wear a mask when asked

Large public gatherings or other egregious violations of the mask mandate

South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) and Community Service Officers (CSO) are always working to maintain public safety, especially during the busy summer months. Our goal is not to issue citations but to encourage people to keep Tahoe safe.

If you see an egregious violation DO NOT CALL 911. Please call the non-emergency line at 530-542-6100 or the CSO department at 530-542-6105

1. If I am hiking or riding a bike outside is that a violation?
No, as long as you can remain socially distant from others while you enjoy the outdoors.

2. Driving in my car?
No, there is no guidance from public health officials that require you to wear a mask inside your own vehicle.

3. Just walking outside or at the golf course
No, as long as you can remain socially distant from others while you enjoy the outdoors

4. Leaving a grocery store putting my groceries in my car?
No, as long as you can remain socially distant from others while you enjoy the outdoors

5. At my house with my family or friends?
This isn’t an enforcement priority, but masks are encouraged when you’re spending time with people outside of your family unit and aren’t able to properly socially distance.

6. At an outdoor restaurant?
Yes, unless you are eating or drinking

7. Who is eligible to give citations?
SLTPD and CSO’s will use their discretion to issue citations

8. What recourse does an individual have if they feel their citation was unfair?
There is an appeal process for these instances. Appellants would need to fill out this form.

9. If an individual refuses to sign a citation do they go to jail.
No

10. What kind of mask/face covering is appropriate?
Masks that are flat or pleated (some are like cups); they are affixed to the head with straps. Cloth or reusable masks are best.

The Emergency Order
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT:
1. It shall be unlawful for any person to violate the California Department of Public Health Guidance for the Use of Face Coverings, issued June 18, 2020, as
updated on June 29, 2020, and as may be further amended from time to time. It
shall also be unlawful for any business to not require its employees and
customers to follow this CDPH Guidance. A copy of this CDPH Guidance is
attached hereto and incorporated into this Order by reference.

2. Any person or business who violates the CDPH Guidance for the Use of Face
Coverings is subject to an administrative citation under chapter 2.30 of the South
Lake Tahoe City Code.

3. Pursuant to section 2.30.010 of the South Lake Tahoe City Code, the amount of
the fine for a violation of the CDPH Guidance for the Use of Face Coverings,
shall be as follows : $100 for individuals and $500 for businesses. Each and every
day a violation exists may constitute a separate and distinct offense.

4. Except as modified by this Order, administrative citations issued under this Order are subject to the procedural and substantive provisions of chapter 2.30 of the South Lake Tahoe City Code.

IT IS HEREBY FURTHER DECLARED AND ORDERED, this Order is a temporary emergency measure, which is effective at 12:00 a.m. on Friday, August 21 , 2020, and shall remain in effect unless and until modmified or suspended by the Director of
Emergency Services or City Council or until the CDPH Guidelines are terminated by the
CDPH .