coronavirus

COVID-19 case update for Lake Tahoe area counties

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County is reporting three new confirmed cases of COVID-19, two of them in the Lake Tahoe region and the other in El Dorado Hills. One is aged 18-49 and the other two are in the 50-64-year-old age group. 84 people have now tested positive for the coronavirus in the county.

Two more have recovered, bringing the total number of recoveries to 61.

Ninety more tests were conducted Thursday with a total now of 5,955 tests administered.

There have been 30 cases in the Lake Tahoe area (including South Lake Tahoe, Meyers, Strawberry, and Tahoma).

Farmer's Market returns to South Lake Tahoe June 2

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The El Dorado County Certified Farmer's Market is starting late this year due to uncertainties created by COVID-19.

Starting June 2, and every Tuesday through October 13, the Farmer's Market will be held in South Lake Tahoe at the American Legion located at 2732 Lake Tahoe Boulevard from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

This will be the county-wide market in 2020.

Other communities in El Dorado County that have a market are Cameron Park on Wednesdays, Placerville on Saturdays, and El Dorado Hills on Sunday.

Suicides on the rise in South Lake Tahoe during COVID-19 crisis

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - During the months of March and April 2020 there were five suicides in South Lake Tahoe. That equals the total number of suicides in all of 2019 in the community, and one less than in 2018.

There were none in January or February before the coronavirus hit.

Cocktails on Brenda's Balcony has become a pandemic social media hit

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - When Brenda Simpkins first posted a picture on Facebook of a glass of chardonnay on her balcony with Mt. Tallac in the background, little did she know she would become a much-needed respite in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic.

She posted that photo on the I Love Lake Tahoe page, gathering hundreds of "likes" and several comments about what her next drink would be. A new fan suggested a Lemon Drop would look nice on the balcony, and so it began.

Column: Reframing mental health now and for the future

As the COVID-19 pandemic made its way across the globe, a shapeless and silent pandemic, borne of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty also began to take hold. While taking care of oneself has been focused on our physical health and hygiene, it has left the mental health and emotional states for many, in limbo and for others, pushed them into crisis.

COVID-19 case update for Lake Tahoe area counties

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There were no new cases of COVID-19 in El Dorado County on Wednesday. There have been no new recoveries and the active case number remains at 14. An additional 205 people were tested for the coronavirus.

There have been 25 cases in the Lake Tahoe area (including South Lake Tahoe, Meyers, Kyburz, and Tahoma).

Pollock Pines, Camino, Kyburz - 2 (Zip codes 95726, 95720, 95709)
El Dorado Hills - 19 (Zip Code 95762)
Diamond Springs, El Dorado - 3 (Zip codes 95623, 95619)
North County - 3 (Zip codes 95664, 95614, 95651, 95635, 95634, 95633)

Visitors to Lake Tahoe are encouraged to follow stay-at-home guidelines

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The messaging from the state, county, and city has been consistent throughout the coronavirus pandemic: This is not the time to travel to South Lake Tahoe. Nevada has also sent out the same message as a ban on nonessential travel that was created to prevent the spread of COVID-19 between communities.

Free South Tahoe Now advertising for South Lake Tahoe area businesses reopening

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Is your local business reopening after being shut down for several weeks due to the coronavirus pandemic? Let us help get the word out with one free week of advertising!

The first ten businesses to respond will get on the immediate advertising loop and more will be accommodated if space allows. There are Facebook sidebar ads, across-the-top banners and sidebar banner spaces available.

The business needs to provide the artwork and South Tahoe Now will share the good news that you are open!

Heavenly Village reopening Memorial Day Weekend with music, food and sidewalk sale

Event Date: 
Repeats every day until Sun May 24 2020 .
May 22, 2020 (All day)
May 23, 2020 (All day)
May 24, 2020 (All day)

The Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe is reopening over the Memorial Day Weekend and having a four-day celebration after being closed since March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"We are excited to have the village open and operating," said Heavenly Village VP Gary Casteel, Jr-. "I cannot stress the level of excitement I have received from our tenants to safely re-open. A special thank you to mayor pro-tem Tami Wallace for all of her support in the re-opening.”

Lake Tahoe boat ramps to start opening up for boats not needing inspection

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Boat ramps around Lake Tahoe will start opening this week, but at this time only vessels with an intact Lake Tahoe inspection seal can launch and no uninspected vessels from outside the Tahoe Region will be able to get on the water.

Local mountain lifestyle brand moves from ski and snowboard masks to face masks

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Now that people are wearing masks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, a change in masks can become a fashion statement instead of just a health statement.

Face coverings to be required on South Lake Tahoe buses and at transit stations

All passengers on Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) buses will be required to wear a face covering while on transit buses and in transit facilities starting Monday, May 18.

This new requirement is to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in public settings where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain and in line with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

South Shore 4th of July fireworks show canceled; TDVA aims for Labor Day show

STATELINE, Nev. - The Tahoe Douglas Visitors Authority (TDVA) voted unanimously Wednesday afternoon to cancel the 4th of July fireworks show on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe due to concerns around COVID-19 and large group gatherings.

Not all is lost though as TDVA is planning on a Labor Day Lights on the Lake show on Sunday, September 6, Labor Day Weekend. That show will depend on the coronavirus situation at the time and the TDVA board of directors has until July 23 to decide and not be held to any fees from Zambelli Fireworks, the producer of the show.

Federal CARES Act sends $8.6M to help free Lake Tahoe transit services

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Lake Tahoe transit providers Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) and Tahoe‐Truckee Area Regional Transit (TART) will be getting a boost from the federal government after they received word that $8.6 million form the CARES Act is headed their way. Transit services are especially critical to essential workers during this COVID crisis, the agencies said today.

These funds will help sustain free transit services for the public.

City Council amends emergency ordinance that fined second homeowners

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City Council voted Tuesday to amend their Emergency Order No. 1 from April that authorized administrative citations and fines of $1,000 for violations of the Governor's Stay at Home Order.

The City will not be fining second homeowners who visit their home in South Lake Tahoe but they will continue to fine those found renting out vacation homes until the Governor's ban on non-essential travel is amended.

Food donation and giveaway location in South Lake Tahoe on Fridays

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - In time of need, the South Lake Tahoe community continues to come forward and help those less fortunate. As the effects from the coronavirus pandemic continue to affect families with job and income loss, community members rise to the occasion with several places to volunteers and donate.

One of those opportunities is with Steph Warren and the Altruism Project on Fridays at Bijou Community School.

Tahoe Together logo apparel and stickers available to help neighbors in need

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Lake Tahoe is one lake, one regional economy and one known to always come together during a crisis.

South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County prepare to enter reopening stage

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Plans for the partial reopening of South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County are in the works, with the Board of Supervisors voting on a plan during a special meeting Friday, May 8, starting at 8:30 a.m.

During a Special City Council meeting Wednesday, the council put their support behind what the county decides so all can be on the same page and not confuse residents and visitors with separate rules.

Governor outlines guidelines for reopening Nevada with phase one Saturday

Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak has unveiled his plan for the state to reopen under phase one starting May 9, 2020. Outdoor malls, restaurants, hair salons, and barber shops are among those able to reopen with new standards for safety.

"We must stay safe so we can stay open," said Sisolak of the ability to move into phase 2 by the end of May, or sooner.

"The beginning of the reopening of our economy is not the end of the coronavirus," said Sisolak during a press conference Thursday afternoon. "It's still with us, as strong as ever. It will not go away until there's a vaccine."

Sierra-at-Tahoe offers credits for pass holders and those with prepaid items

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – After the coronavirus shut down operations early this winter, Sierra-at-Tahoe has released a comprehensive season pass plan which lays out an extended Spring Pass Sale deadline, reduced pricing, exclusive discounts for renewing pass holders for 2020/21 Season Passes, credit for unused products and more.

Times may have changed, but the local resort's commitment to guests has not.

USFS beaches and sites around Lake Tahoe to remain closed through May 15

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A temporary closure order for USFS beaches and recreation sites around Lake Tahoe has been extended through at least May 15, 2020. The original order was set to expire May 1. To keep in alignment with current federal, state, and local guidance for social distancing, and to ensure the health and safety of its employees, visitors, and volunteers, it was extended.

Trailheads and trails outside of the orange areas of the attached maps, or the ones on the closure website, are not affected by this order but parking lots are closed.

Barton Health Doctor of the Year: Dr. Kandra Yee

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Dr. Kendra Yee received a "landslide" of nominations from staff and physicians to be the 2020 Barton Health Doctor of the Year.

Dr. Yee is Chief of COVID-19 Emergency Operations, Chief of Staff, Medical Director of the Emergency Department, and a practicing Emergency Medicine Physician at Barton Memorial Hospital.

Heartfelt nominations for Dr. Yee spoke to her vision and dynamic leadership on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic, and steadfast care for patients and healthcare workers alike:

#TahoeTogether campaign supports those in need during Coronavirus Crisis

Lake Tahoe is one lake, one regional economy and we always come together during a crisis. Community members are already supporting each other in numerous ways. The Tahoe region’s three Community Foundations along with the Tahoe Prosperity Center are launching #TahoeTogether, a new campaign focused on continued coordination of efforts to support community members in need during this crisis.

Barton Health receives seventh "A" in patient safety from watchdog group

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Barton Memorial Hospital received news of another ‘A’ grade for patient safety from the Leapfrog Group. Assessment data from 28 quality measurements demonstrated better patient outcomes at the Lake Tahoe hospital; the result of collaborative, team-driven systems in place at Barton Health that protect patients from harm.

Vail Resorts announces 20-80% credit to pass holders for next ski season

With a ski and snowboard season cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic, Vail Resorts announced Monday morning a plan to address the many concerns of pass holders. They will be providing 2019/20 season pass holders with credits of 20 percent to 80 percent, depending on how often they were able to use that pass during the season.

In a letter to pass holders, the plan was laid out:

Column: The 50th anniversary of Earth Day: A pivotal moment

With the global spread of Covid-19, we have discovered how quickly our world can change and have responded with sacrifices. It’s clear that we deeply value the health and well-being of our community.

With our response, we have improved the health of our planet, too. It’s remarkable! On the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, our skies are the cleanest they have been for over a century.

Humboldt-Toiyabe: No camping in Alpine County, updates on forest use during pandemic

At the request of Alpine County in California, all Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest lands within the boundaries of the county will be temporarily closed to overnight camping starting on Saturday, April 25, 2020.

“We recognize that this overnight camping restriction comes at a time when many are seeking respite in natural areas,” said Forest Supervisor Bill Dunkelberger. “However, this temporary closure is to support state, county, and local authorities in controlling COVID-19 pandemic.”

Column: Enjoy outdoor recreation wisely

Beautiful weather and a case of cabin fever from shelter in place directives have many of us yearning to get outside. Being in nature provides many wellness benefits. When we leave home to enjoy the bounty of outdoor activities, parks, and trails around us, we can honor those working on the front-line of the coronavirus pandemic by doing our part to stay healthy and keep each other safe.

Celebrate Earth Day by picking up trash in your neighborhood

Wednesday is Earth Day, the 50th anniversary of a day celebrated around the world to demonstrate support for environmental protection.

With the cancelation of the annual local Earth Day celebration organizers have created Earth Week, with daily activities and lessons everyone can do to celebrate the earth.

Wednesday's focus is "Waste Not."

COVID-19 case update for Lake Tahoe and surrounding counties

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County is reporting one new case of COVID-19. A woman in the 50-64-year-old age group from El Dorado Hills tested positive on Tuesday, April 21.

This brings the total number of cases in El Dorado County to 39. Three more people have recovered from the virus, bringing that total to 34. Thirty more people were tested for coronavirus today. To date, 1,620 people have been tested with 1,581 negative or pending.

The Lake Tahoe region of the County (Kyburz to South Lake Tahoe, Meyers to Tahoma) has 13 cases.

Column: Safer grocery shopping with COVID-19 concerns

While getting groceries to make food at home is essential, grocery shopping can be a high-contact situation these days. Passing by people in the aisles, touching food items that have possibly been touched by many other people, and navigating the checkout line could all increase your risk of exposure to COVID-19 and at the very least, cause extra stress. Fortunately, many local retailers are offering online ordering, curbside pick-up, and even grocery delivery.

Kudos: Thank you Barton healthcare workers

We would like to express our sincerest appreciation and deepest thanks to the Barton Health team for their efforts to address the coronavirus COVID-19 crisis. This is an unprecedented time to work in health care, and the staff, physicians, and administration have risen to this challenge while showing perseverance, nimbleness, and strategic creativity. The dedication to their job and the brave face they don each day while arriving at work is humbling. As Board members and community members we are deeply moved by this courage.

Soroptimist of Tahoe Sierra's virtual Elegant Evening a success

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Many nonprofits have had to cancel their fundraisers due to the coronavirus, but the ladies of the Soroptimist International of Tahoe Sierra (SITS) club in South Lake Tahoe weren't going to let the virus stop them.

Their 31t annual Elegant Evening was slated to be held at Harrah's Tahoe on April 18 with a sit-down dinner, live music, and dancing, raffle, and auction. The venue closed and restrictions on meeting in groups of over 10 people were created, so what do you do with an event that brings together 500 community members?

Move it online, of course.

Reopening plans underway for South Lake Tahoe once given the state and county go ahead

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - In less than 90 days life has changed in South Lake Tahoe, California and the United States. The West caught up quickly to the novel coronavirus pandemic that was first contracted by a human in China on November 17, 2019.

Scientists and doctors pled for the public to stay home to keep the virus from spreading, and that plea worked better in some areas than others.

Sugar Pine Foundation giving away seedlings to be planted around Lake Tahoe

4/20 Update: The response was huge this weekend and all of the seedlings the Sugar Pine Foundation had to give way were gone in the first day! They have 2,000 more to distribute on Saturday, April 25 at 9:00 a.m. while supplies last, except at the Mountain Hardware location.

Fundraising campaign started to keep Emerald Bay Bar & Grill in business

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Times are tough for many during the coronavirus pandemic with small businesses struggling to make ends meet when unable to have their doors open.

One of those businesses is Emerald Bay Bar & Grill at 888 SR89 in South Lake Tahoe.

Formerly known at Brother's Place, owner Spencer Weiss and his family and friends have turned to GoFundMe as a way to get donations and save the business.

USFS closures at spots around Lake Tahoe, not just SR89 corridor

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Earlier this week the USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit announced all national forest recreation areas and sites in the South Shore Recreation Corridors were closed to the public with fines for individuals or groups disobeying the order.

They said the closures were to keep in alignment with current federal, state and local guidance for social distancing and to ensure the health and safety of its employees, visitors, and volunteers.

South Shore concierge service provides free grocery delivery for seniors and those in need

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A South Lake Tahoe-based concierge service is now offering free grocery delivery to seniors over the age of 65 and to those in need.

Tahoe Warm Welcome has been providing home and guest services to homeowners and visitors to the Lake Tahoe Basin since 2006. Operated by two long-time locals with over 30 years of customer service experience, they are no expanding what they offer during the coronavirus pandemic to include free shopping services for seniors and anti-viral sterilization cleaning packages for the home.

Child care referrals and potential funding sources for essential workers

Choices for Children can provide essential workers with child care referrals and potential funding sources for child care during the challenging times of the coronavirus.

"We are grateful for all the essential workers that are supporting our community during these hard times," said the nonprofit agency. "We are here to help you."

In South Lake Tahoe, those interested can call 530.541.5848, in Markleville call 530.694.2129 and in Cameron Park, 530.676.0707.

Barton Health community update: Patient surge planning almost complete

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - While determining the exact timing and scope of coronavirus’ peak in the Lake Tahoe region is difficult, Barton Health is working diligently to be prepared to respond accordingly and address the needs of patients in the community. Surge planning is almost complete including more than doubling hospital bed capacity and expanding facilities to accommodate those who may be infected by the virus.

USFS closes South Shore Recreation areas: Up to $10,000 fine for violation of order

(Since publishing, LTBMU has corrected the date their order expires.)

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - All national forest recreation areas and sites in the South Shore Recreation Corridors are now closed. In an announcement Wednesday, the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) said the closures are to keep in alignment with current federal, state and local guidance for social distancing and to ensure health and safety of its employees, visitors and volunteers.

End of an era: Lakeside Inn to close permanently

STATELINE, Nev. - Lakeside Inn and Casino on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe will not be reopening its doors after the coronavirus concerns are over. They were the first Lake Tahoe gaming property to close, even before Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak ordered all casinos to close in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Campfire and smoking restrictions in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is implementing fire restrictions earlier than usual this year to reduce the number of human-caused fires and reduce firefighter exposure to COVID-19 during the current pandemic. The Humboldt-Toiyabe will enact fire restrictions prohibiting campfires and smoking outside of vehicles starting on April 15 and going until May 31, or until rescinded.

Overland Meat & Seafood gives away 1,000 pounds of hamburger to South Lake Tahoe community

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The line of "socially distant" people stretched down 3rd Street in South Lake Tahoe Monday morning. They were there to get the free packages of hamburger Overland Meat & Seafood Co. was giving to the community during the financially stressful times brought by the coronavirus

In business since 1987, Overland said this was their best, and largest, event in the 33 years they've been open.

Some annual events in South Lake Tahoe canceled or rescheduled due to coronavirus concerns

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - You can add the 27th annual Renaissance Festival to the list of event casualties brought about by the novel coronavirus. Add the 71st annual Highway 50 Wagon Train and two long-running events will be taking the year 2020 off.

Live stream benefit concert to aid South Lake Tahoe residents in need

Event Date: 
April 15, 2020 - 7:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Eight leading Lake Tahoe area musicians will perform in a live stream benefit concert this Wednesday, April 15 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to raise money for emergency assistance to South Shore families during the COVID-19 shutdown.

Among those performing at the Tahoe Supports Tahoe concert: Chad Lawrence and Martin Bush of South Tahoe Funk Union; Chris Seal of Bison; Annie Davidson, singer and songwriter; Eric Smith, recording artist at Edgetone Records.

County health officer sets the record straight about non-essential businesses and travel

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Since California Governor Newsom issued "Shelter in Place" orders for the state on March 19, life changed for millions of people. What was once commonplace, changed overnight.

Navigating through what is essential and what is nonessential has been a struggle for many.

The El Dorado County Public Health Officer Dr. Nancy Williams created a statement Friday to reiterate business, activity and travel restrictions. She also said that she and county leaders may have to impose stricter limitations than imposed by the state should some current practices continue.

Letter: It's time for Tahoe to support Tahoe

It’s been three weeks since the coronavirus shut down most of Tahoe, South Shore and North, abruptly putting a huge number of families in crisis.

Many were already living paycheck to paycheck, and now their paychecks have disappeared. It could be months before many citizens here earn money again. Even when businesses re-open, the tourism industry here will likely be deeply depressed long afterward.

Location

PO Box 786
United States

Column: Helping loved ones process critical incident stress

As our nation faces the impacts of coronavirus COVID-19, it’s likely that we all have a loved one who is involved in an ongoing emotionally-charged event, known as a critical incident. Whether a healthcare worker, a grocery store employee or someone who has been furloughed from work, there are people all around us experiencing individual responses that are common to critical incident stress. This global pandemic offers many opportunities to support each other as we cope.

Tahoe Transportation District rolls out fare-free transit

STATELINE, Nev. - The Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) is rolling out zero-fare bus service on the South Shore starting Sunday, April 12.

While they already had plans in place for a free system to help eliminate traffic, the rollout is sooner than expected in order to make travel safer in response to COVID-19 by eliminating fare exchanges between drivers and riders.

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