LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – County officials are asking visitors to postpone trips to Lake County and for vacation homeowners to stop rentals as the county’s shelter in place to protect against COVID-19 remains active.
“The health and well-being of our community and visitors is our highest priority. While the Lake County community, like so many around the globe, is reeling from business impacts due to COVID-19, we extend our thoughts and deep gratitude to our beloved visitors, who have generously supported our local economy through tourism and adjacent industries,” the county said in a Wednesday announcement.
“With immense appreciation for everyone’s wish to be in the fresh air, enjoying our beautiful county and recreating on Clear Lake, now is NOT the time to visit Lake County. Please remain at your primary residence, and don’t travel to Lake County for non-essential activities, even if you have a vacation home here,” the county’s statement explained.
The request to visitors comes as all lodging in Lake County, including short-term and nightly rentals, is closed until May 3, under the current public health orders.
If you are renting out your home through Airbnb, VRBO, or any other rental agency, the county asks that you immediately remove your listing to help protect the community.
“Lake County’s healthcare system is very good, but has limited capacity to respond to a large-scale outbreak. The consequences of COVID-19 for our small, rural county, would be devastating if we experienced a large surge in cases requiring medical care,” the county reported.
The county reported that local residents and businesses, many of whom are still recovering from severe hardship and displacement brought by fires, floods and public safety power shutoff events, are doing their part to reduce COVID-19 risks. Retail shops, recreation services including the lake, parks and hiking trails, movie theaters, wineries, casinos, bars, restaurants and nightclubs for indoor or outdoor service are all closed.
“We ask that our valued visitors and those with vacation homes in the area do your part, as well, to protect the communities so many of us have come to know, love, and even call home, or home away from home,” the county statement said.
Officials asked that visitors support Lake County businesses from afar, while Lake County continues to shelter in place.
They are urged to:
– Rebook lodging for a later date.
– Reach out to businesses you enjoyed in the past – send an email, post a photo, tag words of encouragement, and follow them on social media to stay up to date on their latest services and offerings.
– Consider making donations to local businesses and nonprofits.
– Buy gift cards from local businesses to be used at a later date.
– Ask for store credit, versus refunds.
– Pay for an online yoga or fitness class.
– Order books, sports gear, and more online from our local shops – many shops can ship or deliver items to your house.
– Extend memberships and renew pledges with any local organizations you regularly support.
For those living in Lake County:
– Order delivery and curbside pickup from restaurants, and shop at Lake County’ grocery stores; they are adapting their practices and supporting social distancing, we can help them out, too.
– Ordering takeout? Leave an extra tip. Your generosity will help support restaurant staff that are now under or unemployed.
Cash flow is critical for Lake County businesses right now. There’s no amount too small, and every dollar spent is a vote for the small businesses that make Lake County unique, the county said.
“Lake County will be ready to welcome you when the world is ready to travel again. Our communities, mountains, lakes, fishing, boating, trails, wineries, casinos, restaurants and local business will be here to welcome you back when the Shelter-in-Place and Stay at Home Orders are lifted,” county officials reported.
The county statement concluded, “But again, now is NOT the time to visit.”
Officials: Now is not the time to visit Lake County
- Lake County News reports
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