The outbreak of COVID-19 has hit the country with little warning, virtually shutting down most travel. While it might seem like a scary time, we can all get through this by following recommended guidelines and staying inside. Even though you may not be able to make it to Lake Tahoe right now, that does not mean you cannot make a future trip to the area. We have gathered some great safety guidelines and tips for everyone to follow to allow us to eradicate COVID-19 in Tahoe sooner rather than later!
California’s Response to COVID-19
If you have been keeping track of the news, California has been one of the states hit the hardest during the COVID-19 outbreak. For several weeks now the state has been following a stay-at-home mandate requiring all citizens to stay at home. The major exceptions to this mandate include leaving your home to get food, care for a friend or relative, get the necessary healthcare, or get to your essential job. Whenever leaving their home, citizens need to make sure to keep six feet apart from others.
The term essential job is a bit vague and depends on the governor’s decision on what needs to stay open. As of this moment essential jobs include gas stations, pharmacies, grocery stores, farmers’ markets, food banks, convenience stores, restaurants that offer takeout and delivery options, banks, laundromats, and essential local and state government functions. All other businesses that fall outside of these criteria such as bars, entertainment venues, gyms, public events, salons, and dine-in restaurants are closed until further notice.
Support Those Who Are Still Open
Closing all kinds of stores and businesses down for the foreseeable future can be difficult on those who are now out of work. Make sure to do your part by buying local whenever possible. For our vacation property owners and visitors currently in the area, you can find plenty of local businesses still open. We have numerous restaurants who have switched over to takeout and delivery orders only in the Tahoe region. This includes typical sit-down restaurants, takeout restaurants, and even places where you’d normally get your morning cup of coffee. Simply get online and find your favorite places and see if they are still open to support!
Follow Advice Given by the CDC
The Center of Disease Control has been issuing updates to their advice on how to handle the COVID-19 crisis. Many of the recommendations can easily be done at home. The most recent research has shown that the virus can stick to surfaces for a long period of time, around 14 days. If you have noticed, most cleaning supplies are currently sold out at stores. If you were fortunate enough to have enough cleaning supplies at home, make sure you are putting them to use. It is important to keep cleaning surfaces in the home that are used frequently such as counters in the kitchen and cabinet. But what if you are out of cleaning supplies? If that is your situation, do not fret, as you can make your own cleaning products if you have hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol in the home. By slightly diluting these ingredients (but not too much) and filling them up in a spray bottle, you can spray the surfaces in your home just like store brand chemicals. Stores will eventually get their stock back in and we can all stay clean throughout this ongoing situation.
Stay Six Feet Away
Another important recommendation given by the CDC is to stay six feet away from others. This recommendation is due to how far your coughs and sneezes can go. If you do have to cough or sneeze when out in public, make sure to do so into your elbow or a tissue. This will prevent the virus from spreading for those who are not aware they have contracted COVID-19. If you do need to leave your home for any reason, make sure to not be in groups of 10 or more people. Doing this can help you prevent from being around someone with COVID-19.
Watch Out for the Elderly
Another important aspect of COVID-19 is that it may not be deadly for younger individuals. Current CDC research shows that individuals who are 50 years or older or have preexisting health conditions are more prone to dangerous complications from COVID-19. Make sure to take this into consideration. Help out your elderly by doing shopping for them. Also make sure to consider those in need when shopping at grocery stores for supplies. There may be a family who is in need of food and supplies, so don’t take more than your share.
Look Ahead for Tahoe
While times may seem scary, we are getting through it! If you’re looking forward to your next well-deserved vacation, we will be ready to host you after the danger from COVID-19 in Tahoe has passed. In the meantime, stay safe!
