New California 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. curfew starts Saturday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Due to the rise in COVID-19 cases, California has issued a limited Stay at Home Order. All non-essential work and gatherings must stop from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. in counties in the purple tier, including El Dorado County.

This will take effect at 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 21, 2020 and remain in place for one month until 5:00 a.m. December 21.

The curfew comes after 40 counties moved into the more restrictive purple tier after experiencing a rise in hospitalizations and positive cases of COVID-19.

"Together, we can flatten the curve again," said Governor Newsom after the announcement. He said the order is to slow down the state’s surging coronavirus outbreak ahead of the holidays.

As with all other COVID-related restrictions, the South Lake Tahoe Police Department said they will handle the newest order the same - education first.

There has been a large spike in cases in November. The El Dorado County infection rate of COVID-19 has more than doubled and South Lake Tahoe has had 140 new cases in the last 14 days.

Other states, including Ohio and New York, have implemented curfews.

South Lake Tahoe Police Lt. Shannon Laney said they are not going to your door to count how many people are eating dinner at your table, or pulling your car over after 10:00 p.m. He said they will continue to educate the community.

The City of South Lake Tahoe already has a mask ordinance, and those without them in public face a $100 fine and businesses allowing unmasked patrons face $500 fines. The State of California has also instituted a mask mandate which requires masks to be worn by everyone while outside unless they are alone in a car or only with those in their household; working alone in an office or room; outdoors and staying at least six feet away from others not in their household; are obtaining a service involving their nose or face; or are actively eating or drinking, so long as they maintain physical distance.

On the California side of the state line most businesses are already closed during these hours.

The El Dorado County Sheriff came out with the following statement:

The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office is aware and will not be enforcing this curfew order.

El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office deputies will not be determining compliance with, or enforcing the compliance of, any health order related to this curfew. The Sheriff’s Office will not prevent Thanksgiving activities, maximum occupancies, or mask wearing mandates at social gatherings within the County of El Dorado. Calls received by The Sheriff’s Office regarding enforcement of any COVID related orders will be referred to the El Dorado County Department of Public Health at 530-621-6100.

We will still address reports of criminal activity related to public safety and our El Dorado County citizens. The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office will continue to uphold the Constitution of the United States of America.