coronavirus

It's okay - daily life looks different for everyone at this time

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It has been a few weeks (though it may seem like months) since business shut their doors, nonessential workers were asked to stay home and nonessential travel came to a screeching halt in order to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus and COVID-19.

Letter: Lake Tahoe Event Center- Your support needed

With coronavirus impacts being our community's major priority, we hope you're staying safe and encourage everyone to stay at home and follow directions from health organizations so we can return to our jobs, schools, and normal lives safely, and as soon as possible. While health wellbeing is the leading concern, the reality of long-term economic impacts from this terrible virus makes the need to plan for a secure future a priority now more than ever.

Reno man arrested after allegedly stealing hundreds of surgical masks from VA Hospital

RENO, Nev. – Peter Lucas, 35, of Reno, was arrested yesterday and appeared in court today for allegedly stealing hundreds of surgical masks from a supply cart at the Ioannis A. Lougaris VA Medical Center (VA Medical Center) in Reno.

Some second homeowners to provide housing for those affected by coronavirus

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - In a time when many in the community are upset with the second homers or their renters who came to "shelter in place" in South Lake Tahoe, many of homeowners have come together to provide needed housing to agencies bringing in the essential workforce.

"VHRs for Essential Service Workforce" will be providing housing for 7-29 days for those needed in the community during the coronavirus pandemic, those who need to quarantine for themselves or are in town to assist, and not for any other purpose by owners or guests.

Tahoe Chamber hosts virtual Town Hall with Barton Health

Event Date: 
April 10, 2020 - 11:00am

The Tahoe Chamber is holding another Virtual Town Hall on Friday, April 10, this time with Dr. Clint Purvance, CEO of Barton Health, and Chris Kiser, Executive Director of the Barton Foundation.

From 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Tahoe Chamber CEO Steve Teshara will lead the conversation as they discuss the hospital's efforts to combat the coronavirus crisis, the COVID-19 Response Fund, and what the community can do to mitigate the spread.

Four new COVID-19 cases for El Dorado County; One South Lake Tahoe case drops off

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There were four new cases of COVID-19 in El Dorado County Tuesday, three in El Dorado Hills and one in Placerville. The total went from 25 to 28 though due to one case in the South Lake Tahoe region dropping off.

Originally one person identified as a Tahoe-area resident on Monday actually was not and lives elsewhere.

There are currently 28 confirmed cases in the county:

El Dorado Hills - 10
East Slope (including South Lake Tahoe and Meyers) - 9
Placerville - 4
Cameron Park, Shingle Springs, Rescue - 3
North County - 2

3D face shields created in South Lake Tahoe for Barton Hospital - Printer help needed

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barton Hospital would like 1000 face shields for staff during the coronavirus pandemic, and a South Lake Tahoe couple has taken on the challenge. With about 100 masks a week they are in search of help from the community in their 3D printing efforts.

Keith and Linda Cloutier, owners of Rudy's Plumbing and Heating, are currently in production of the masks. Since a 3D printer takes about 3.5 hours to print one face shield, Keith is asking for community members who have a 3D printer to join him so they can get more shields to Barton.

Earth Day online - Virtual Wild and Scenic Film Festival

Event Date: 
April 22, 2020 (All day)

2020 marks the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day and now, more than ever, it is important to spend time reflecting on and celebrating Mother Earth. The Sierra Nevada Alliance (Alliance) is proud to provide a way to appreciate our planet and inspire advocacy from the safety of your couch during the coronavirus pandemic. The Alliance is inviting everyone to celebrate Earth Day online with the Virtual Wild and Scenic Film Festival On Tour.

Christmas Cheer in great need of food donations

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Christmas Cheer is an emergency food pantry operating in South Lake Tahoe and, with an increased need with many out of work due to the current coronavirus situation, they are running low on non-perishable food supplies.

They have seen many more people than normal coming into their office and volunteers say it is putting a big dent on their supply.

Important service update from South Tahoe Refuse

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - South Tahoe Refuse is continuing to provide essential health and safety services to the community with regular trash pickup and they are notifying customers of some changes they have implemented to minimize the spread of coronavirus and protect their employees.

Effective immediately:

Garbage collectors will not pick up any loose garbage. All trash must be contained in bags within trash cans and secured with a lid, or in a secured dumpster.

Barton Health seeks those with clinical experience to join "Medical Corps" as influx of COVID-19 cases expected

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barton Health is seeking retired or available physicians, nurses, EMTs, and other medical professionals with clinical expertise to work with the hospital as it prepares to treat an influx of patients expected during the coronavirus crisis.

Fundraiser set up for those out of work due to business closures in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With a large number of South Lake Tahoe employees currently out of work due to closures mandated by the fight against the coronavirus, a South Lake Tahoe woman has set up a fundraiser to help those financially hurt the most.

Roberta Hainline, housekeeping manager with Vacasa, was concerned after she had to lay off her entire staff of 22.

"I know that all of those people that lost their jobs live paycheck to paycheck. Even though they are eligible for unemployment, the need is immediate," said Hainline, who was also furloughed.

Enjoy South Lake Tahoe businesses that are open

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Support of local businesses is important during these trying times, and a website has been created to give users up-to-date information on those open to the public during the coronavirus pandemic.

Visit https://tahoe.is/ for a complete list.

This list is updated by the business owners as things change.

Barton Health's community updates and advisories on coronavirus COVID-19

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barton Health continues to adapt and respond to the spread of coronavirus COVID-19 in the community. The health and safety of patients and care providers is the top priority, and operational changes continue to evolve at Barton Memorial Hospital and across Barton’s coordinated network of medical offices in preparation for any potential surge in patient care.

Douglas County to VHR owners and tourists: Do not rent homes, Do not visit at this time

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - Consistent with directives issued by Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak, and the guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control, Douglas County is urging travelers and short-term rental owners/managers, to take this threat to our community seriously, act responsibly and refrain from renting vacation home properties to non-essential travelers at this time.

Winter Storm Watch in place for Lake Tahoe this weekend

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - What was originally forecast to be a sunny and mild weekend has changed into one that is calling for two different storms bringing heavy snow to the greater Lake Tahoe area.

Lake Valley Fire Protection District helping locals with food and donations

MEYERS, Calif. - The members of the Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) help the community every day as first responders and protecting the community, but they are now adding on a new role.

They have donated money as well as started a program to go grocery shopping for the elderly in their district or for those unable to get to the store due to coronavirus impacts.

Last week members of the district's foundation presented a check for $1,000 to Bread & Broth to help supply food to those in the community who are impacted by layoffs due to the coronavirus.

FBI warns of possible cyber crimes during coronavirus pandemic

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The FBI anticipates cyber actors will exploit increased use of virtual environments by government agencies, the private sector, private organizations, and individuals as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Computer systems and virtual environments provide essential communication services for telework and education, in addition to conducting regular business. The criminal, or cyber actor, will exploit vulnerabilities in these systems to steal sensitive information, target individuals and businesses performing financial transactions, and engage in extortion.

El Dorado County Stay at Home directive extended until April 30

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - El Dorado County Public Health Officer Dr. Nancy Williams today issued a directive extending the amount of time County residents are to remain at home except to engage in “essential activities.” The extension now goes to Thursday, April 30, 2020.

Residents are asked to stay in their homes as much as possible to prevent further spread of the coronavirus. Only essential business and essential travel is permissible by the order.

Tahoe Youth & Family Services to host live chat on coping with the coronavirus pandemic

Event Date: 
April 15, 2020 - 1:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Tahoe Youth and Family services will launch their first Facebook Live! Chat to help area residents face the stress created by the current coronavirus pandemic starting on April 15, 2020, at 1:00 p.m.

The nonprofit's licensed clinical social workers will be joined by their licensed and certified drug and alcohol counselors to answer questions and provide tools and tips to help maintain mental health during these difficult and challenging times.

The panel will take questions both before the event and during the broadcast.

Tahoe Transportation District providing bus service during pandemic; Changes possible

STATELINE, Nev. – As the COVID-19 pandemic rapidly evolves, Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) continues to operate regular transit services for essential workers and services during the shelter-in-place order. TTD understands that public transportation is part of the community’s critical infrastructure and is committed to ensuring that transit services remain safe and reliable.

Barton Health accepting the medical supplies in high demand and short supply

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As people watch the news they see the stories about a global shortage of the supplies needed by medical professionals fighting the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.

Barton Health is South Lake Tahoe is preparing for a potential influx of patients seeking care and is making every effort to ensure their supplies are adequate. They are working with regional health partners, new and existing vendors, local businesses and community members to procure the personal protective equipment (PPE) that may be needed to keep their healthcare workers and patients safe.

Alpine County has first confirmed case of COVID-19

ALPINE COUNTY, Calif. - Today the Alpine County Health Department was notified of the first laboratory-confirmed case of the new coronavirus COVID-19 infection in an Alpine County resident. The individual is recovering at home and was never hospitalized.

Alpine County is located south of Lake Tahoe, has a population of 1,120 and is 743 square miles in size and includes Markleeville and Bear Valley.

An investigation has determined the person was exposed and acquired the infection in a location distant from Alpine County. This person and their household "have

Vail CEO and his wife donate $2.5M to communities their resorts are located

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Once again, Vail Resorts' CEO Rob Katz and his wife Elana Amsterdam are giving back to the communities where their employees live and where their company operates.

Today, they announced a donation of more than $2.5 million to provide immediate support to those areas as all contend with the severe impacts of COVID-19.

Immediate emergency relief grants will total $1.5 million and will be distributed to communities including South Lake Tahoe.

Placer County COVID-19 update: 57 cases including some at Lake Tahoe; 2 deaths

PLACER COUNTY, Calif. - The County of Placer Health & Human Services now reports 57 confirmed cases of coronavirus COVID-19 with two deaths from the virus.

Confirmed cases have been identified in the following areas - Auburn, Carnelian Bay, Granite Bay, Kings Beach, Lincoln, Loomis, Meadow Vista, Newcastle, Olympic Valley, Rocklin, and Roseville. However, testing is still limited.

Washoe County reports their first death of a resident from COVID-19

In a Monday morning press conference, Washoe County updated the community on the current COVID-19 situation as they continue to urge residents to stay at home to prevent its spread.

The first Washoe County resident died from COVID-19 over the weekend. He was in his 49s and the case is under investigation. It is unknown at this time if the man has underlying health conditions.

“We’re devastated to learn that a Washoe County resident has died due to COVID-19,” said Kevin Dick, District Health Officer for Washoe County. “Our thoughts are with the family at this time.”

Douglas County virtual meeting access information

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - Public meetings have gone to a virtual format to protect the public against health threats posed by the coronavirus and COVID-19. Promoting social distancing and reducing public gatherings have led local governments to create materials and procedures for the public to still participate and to follow the Brown Act.

Douglas County Commissioners will no longer have a physical location designated for their meetings and copies of the agenda will no longer be physically posted.

Meeting materials will be posted on the following websites:

Tahoe Network Weekly Tip: Preparing for wildfire while indoors

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Have you been cleaning out closets, homeschooling, or figuring out what to do in the weeks ahead? With residents staying home and not traveling due to the coronavirus, the Tahoe Network of Fire Adapted Communities will be sending out weekly tips on how to prepare for wildfire while inside.

This Week's Tip: Create a Go-Bag

Safe shopping for all age groups during coronavirus pandemic

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With "Stay at Home" orders from the state down to the local government, many are learning to adjust to the things they took for granted just a month ago.

One of those is a trip to the grocery store.

Even with all South Lake Tahoe grocery stores open, it doesn't mean it should be shopping as normal, a.k.a. "pre-coronavirus days."

Most households don't have refrigerator or freezer space, or even cupboard space to not have to make a run to the grocery store once in a while. But the fewer trips one makes, the better it is to remain safe and virus-free.

Forest Service to close developed recreation facilities but keep forest trails open

USDA Forest Service (USFS) has closed its developed recreation facilities on National Forest land in California in order to assist people in abiding by Governor Newsom's recent statewide shelter-in-place order.

They will be closed until at least April 30 in an attempt to avoid groups of people and promote social distancing of staying more than six feet apart during the COVID-19 crisis.

In a press release, USFS officials said that while they appreciated the public's interest in outdoor recreation they needed to close to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Is South Lake Tahoe prepared for the coronavirus?

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Many have asked, what if our community starts getting COVID-19 cases, are we prepared? Many different groups, agencies, and the government have been working diligently and collaboratively on emergency plans to prepare.

Casinos did well in February - South Shore Lake Tahoe up 21% over a year ago

STATELINE, Nev. - Nevada’s nonrestricted gaming licensees reported a total “gaming win” of $1,042,627,516 for the month of February 2020. This amounts to a 3.05 percent increase compared to February 2019, when licensees reported a gaming win of $1,011,785,879 according to the monthly report released today by the Nevada Gaming Control Board.

Rental of a South Lake Tahoe vacation home or motel could result in fines

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - During their emergency meeting Wednesday, the South Lake Tahoe City Council voted to support the temporary use of the City's recreation center for the homeless population during the coronavirus pandemic and to follow the State of Calfornia's lead not halting commercial evictions at the time.

Latest efforts by Barton Health to prevent community spread of COVID-19

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Operational changes, including hospital visitation, screening protocols and testing facilities, continue to be made in the wake of El Dorado County’s first reported cases of coronavirus COVID-19. The health and safety of patients and care providers is Barton’s top priority, and community spread of COVID-19 is a concern. Regardless of confirmed cases in South Lake Tahoe, the advice of Barton Health medical experts is to assume COVID-19 is in the community and stay home unless absolutely necessary, keeping a distance of 6 feet from others if you must leave the home.

Monthly Medicare column: What you need to know about coronavirus and Medicare

Since older Americans are particularly vulnerable to coronavirus (COVID-19), I wanted to let you know the steps we’re taking to help our Medicare beneficiaries cope with the pandemic.

We’re warning Medicare beneficiaries that scammers may try to use this emergency to steal their Medicare number, banking information, or other personal data.

Unfortunately, scammers come out of the woodwork during times of uncertainty and change. So make sure you give your Medicare number only to your doctor, pharmacist, hospital, health insurer, or other trusted healthcare provider.

Love of dance helping South Lake Tahoe youth cope with coronavirus seclusion

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Students enrolled at Marcia Sarosik Dance Studio in South Lake Tahoe cannot attend classes in person due to coronavirus restrictions, but they are still enjoying their love of dance with online dance classes.

Marcia Sarosik, better known as Ms. Marcia, has been teaching dance in the community for 41 years and this is the first time she's had to close the studio for an extended period. One of her former students, Chelsea Wightman, created a program for dancers to log onto to stay connected to the studio on James Avenue.

America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride in Lake Tahoe rescheduled

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Another event casualty due to the coronavirus is the 29th annual America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride. Originally set for Sunday, June 7, it has been rescheduled to combine with the 18th annual Tour de Tahoe, set for Sunday, September 13, 2020. This due to the uncertainty of current and changing CDC coronavirus COVID-19 restrictions and mandates by national, state and county health agencies.

Special South Lake Tahoe meeting to address emergency housing, evictions and vacation homes

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe City Council is holding a special meeting on Wednesday, March 25 to discuss three topics related to community needs surrounding the current coronavirus pandemic.

The meeting starts at 1:00 p.m. and remote attendance instructions are available below.

One confirmed case of community transmitted coronavirus in El Dorado County

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - El Dorado County officials announced today the first confirmed case of community transmitted COVID-19 in an El Dorado County resident. The resident acquired the COVID-19 virus from an unknown source. This brings the count up to three of County residents with confirmed cases, one is a resident but was not in the county at the time of contraction and illness, and another was travel related.

Message from Barton Health and other regional healthcare systems

The following is a press release from Barton Health, Carson Tahoe Health, Marshall Medical Center and Tahoe Forest Health System:

With the continuing spread of COVID-19 within the U.S., the healthcare providers of the greater Lake Tahoe/El Dorado Region are working closely with each other and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as California and Nevada health authorities, to care for affected individuals. We are also jointly taking steps to limit person-to-person spread within our communities.

Information about COVID-19

Washoe County reports 19 new cases of COVID-19; Douglas 1 and no new cases in El Dorado County

On Monday, the Washoe County Health District reported 19 additional cases of COVID-19 in that county, moving the total number of cases to 44.

Due to the influx of cases, the Health District will not provide specific details or any other information due to medical information and privacy requirements.

The additional 19 confirmed cases were from 2-plus days of testing due to the increased number of tests being submitted to the Nevada State Public Health Laboratory from throughout the region and state.

Tahoe Homeless Coalition adjusts to COVID-19: Operations now 24 hours/day

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Due to the rapidly changing health crisis brought by coronavirus and COVID-10, the Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless (TCH) has a new
coordinated COVID-19 response and will be open 24-hours-a-day through April.

In preparation for increased utilization and operational capacity surging expected for the next several months, TCH has made the changes to their sheltering and support service programs. They have seen a 30 percent increase in nightly shelter requests and anticipate that number will increase significantly over the coming weeks.

Barton Foundation opens COVID-19 Response Fund for community aid

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With the anticipated impact of coronavirus COVID-19 in the area, the Barton Foundation has created a COVID-19 Response Fund aimed at helping community members and healthcare workers affected by the outbreak. Barton Health will match donations up to $75,000 to build the fund and help provide relief for residents.

When times are tough, South Lake Tahoe volunteers and businesses step up

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As one would expect in South Lake Tahoe, the community has been coming together to help others during these trying times and uncertainty.

Base Camp Pizza has been one of those businesses that have helped out the community. On Friday they dropped off 120 pizzas, 75 salads and 100 pasta dishes to Bijou Community School for families there who were picking up kids' homework and other supplies to use for at-home study. Local girl scouts donated boxes of cookies to hand out.

Senior Citizen services and store hours in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The threat of the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 is a scary one for all people, especially the more vulnerable citizens of the community including senior citizens.

The South Lake Tahoe Senior Center is closed but nutrition services are being provided on a "to go" basis. Those 60 and older can stop by Monday through Friday between 11:00 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. and get a hot meal to go for a $3 suggested donation. Their Meals on Wheels program serves about 80 seniors with hot meals delivered Monday through Friday.

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.

El Dorado County Superior Court limiting access in response to COVID-19

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Due to the current public health crisis, the El Dorado County Superior Court will be limited access to courthouses, effective immediately. They currently plan to resume normal operations on April 17, 2020, though with the rapidly unfolding coronavirus situation, this could change.

Courtrooms will be practice social distancing, including at least two seats between people in the gallery. Members of the public are strongly discouraged from attending court proceedings unless they are statutory support persons or those who have been subpoenaed.

Latest Barton Health efforts to prevent spread of COVID-19 in South Lake Tahoe community

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barton Health continues its work with city, county, and state health agencies to provide screening and appropriate care for coronavirus COVID-19. The health and safety of patients and care providers is Barton’s top priority, and community spread of COVID-19 a serious concern.

Lake Tahoe Education Foundation re-imagining their AleWorx fundraiser

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Tahoe Educational Foundation and Lake Tahoe Aleworx have teamed up to raise $20,000 in 2020 for local students. The 20th of each month was to be a special night at AleWorx with proceeds going to the Foundation.

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.

Syndicate content