South Lake Tahoe, CA…The City of South Lake Tahoe has partnered with Barton Hospital, El Dorado County and other agencies to develop an appropriate response to COVID-19 or the Coronavirus. Per the recommendations contained in Governor Newsom’s response to this virus the City will suspend all public activities at the Senior Center and Recreation Center for an interim period. Although there are no confirmed cases in El Dorado County, this move is happening out of an abundance of caution. In accordance with State and Federal guidelines, we are allowing our employees to work remotely if needed and encouraging them to stay home when they are sick. We are also providing all our employees with hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes in common areas and break rooms.

“Our number one priority is the health and well-being of the residents and visitors of South Lake Tahoe,” said Interim City Manager Brad Kilger,” We are making the necessary adjustments for our employees to also stay safe, but essential City services will remain available during this pandemic.”:

El Dorado County declared a public health emergency yesterday to ensure appropriate resources and funding are available to the County in its response to novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19).

“Although we don’t currently have any confirmed cases of the virus in El Dorado County, due to confirmed cases in the region and the high likelihood that a case will be confirmed at some point in the near future in El Dorado County, this declaration is a prudent action to take at this time,” said El Dorado County Public Health Officer, Dr. Nancy Williams. “It is a prerequisite for requesting and receiving any available federal or state funding and will allow us access to the resources necessary to keep people as safe as possible and lessen disease transmission in El Dorado County,” she added.

The declaration of a public health emergency allows the County to provide or receive mutual aid from other jurisdictions and assists in opening up available resources, mutual aid and staffing. It follows the State of California’s proclamation of emergency on March 4 regarding COVID-19.

Barton Health continues its work with county and state health agencies to provide care and limit the spread of coronavirus COVID-19. The health and safety of community members and care providers is Barton’s top priority, and with the increasing person-to-person transmission of COVID-19, the arrival of the coronavirus in the local area is likely. Barton has implemented system-wide strategies to provide coordinated care while mitigating exposure to healthcare workers and vulnerable patient populations.

A 24/7 Barton COVID-19 Health Line, 530.600.1999, has been established for the general public to call if experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness such as fever, coughing, sneezing, or shortness of breath. Health Line callers can ask questions and be scheduled for screening, testing and medical care at Barton’s referral-only respiratory screening center. This standalone facility was recently opened to provide a safe screening location, increasing access to services for those in need while minimizing exposure to others, if referred by a medical provider.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
BARTON HOSPITAL: https://www.bartonhealth.org/tahoe/coronavirus-update.aspx
EL DORADO COUNTY: https://www.edcgov.us/Government/hhsa/Pages/EDCCOVID-19.aspx
CDPH: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/ncov2019.aspx
CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
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