South Lake Tahoe City Government to Fine People Not Wearing Masks
On Tuesday, August 18, 2020, the city council of South Lake Tahoe voted to issue fines to businesses and people who violate the statewide mandate regarding masks during the outbreak of novel coronavirus. The fines are expected to aid in preventing the spread of the disease by acting as a deterrent to tourists and other individuals who have caused concerned to locals and officials by refusing to wear proper safety gear.
The Fines
The fines were voted on during a 4.5-hour-long emergency city council meeting. Members of the council voted unanimously to issue $100 dollar fines to individuals who are caught in public spaces without masks. Likewise, businesses that do not enforce mask-wearing guidelines will be given $500 fines.
These emergency measures were implemented partly as a response to Tahoe residents voicing concerns about the spread of COVID-19. Residents have reportedly been complaining about a sudden influx of tourists to the Tahoe Basin during the national health crisis. Locals have said that the tourist influx has not only increased the risk of contracting COVID-19 but has also resulted in trash left behind on area beaches and in parks as well as severe traffic backups and graffiti.
COVID-19 in Tahoe
Public health officials of El Dorado County indicated that the county has seen a total of 871 confirmed cases of COVID-19 so far, with 411 of these cases having been reported within the Tahoe region. So far, the county has only had a total of two coronavirus-related fatalities.
According to officials, the city council planned to reconvene during the following week in order to discuss further measures the city could take to keep residents safe. Councilmembers will reportedly discuss closing beaches and parks as well as placing limitations on temporary lodging. Additionally, officials indicated that they will be looking into the possible environmental impact of increased vehicle traffic throughout the Tahoe region.
COVID-19 in California
In California, numbers of new COVID-19 cases have fluctuated, but have generally increased since the beginning of August with a sharp decrease over the last few days. Overall, the state has seen a total of around 650,000 confirmed cases and nearly 12,000 COVID-19 related deaths. As of Thursday, August 20, 2020, there had been around 10,228,000 reported tests for the virus across the state.
The state has warned that people in areas currently experiencing or prone to wildfires should keep COVID-19 prevention in mind when planning for evacuations. Officials have stated that individuals being evacuated should remember to bring a mask as well as hand sanitizer and continue to practice social distancing as much as possible. To learn more about protecting yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19, you can read this helpful resource from the state government.
Other Blogs by Ed A. Smith, South Lake Tahoe Personal Injury Lawyer
- Deadly Tahoe Boat Accident
- What is a South Lake Personal Injury Lawyer?
- Two Die in Tahoe Area Plane Accident
South Lake Tahoe Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a South Lake Tahoe personal injury lawyer. Accidents are often serious. To receive free, friendly advice after suffering a major accident injury, give me a call at either (800) 404-5400 or (530) 392-9400.
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