“Short-term rentals that are used for commercial purposes are not considered part of critical infrastructure under the governor’s order,” said Dr. Sisson. “Short-term rentals may only continue to operate for extremely limited purposes as outlined.”

Short-term rental units may only operate:

• To provide COVID-19 mitigation and containment measures (for example, isolation and quarantine or the housing of displaced persons or the homeless);
• To provide housing for essential critical infrastructure workers; and
• For use by the property owner and his/her immediate family members.

Placer County is urging short-term rental owners to comply with the executive order to help our community stem the spread of the novel coronavirus. The county is reaching out to registered short-term rental operators to ensure awareness of current COVID-19 guidance. Short-term rentals that aren’t in compliance with the guidance may be reported to Placer County’s short-term rental hotline at 530-448-8003. Reports may also be shared online at http://www.hostcompliance.com/tips.

Amid growing community concerns regarding a significant increase of visitors to state parks, California State Parks previously announced the temporary closure of all campgrounds in the state park system along with other steps to reduce crowds. As defined in the Health Officer Directive issued March 19, 2020, essential travel does not include vacation travel. Residents should shelter at their place of residence and not travel to other communities to shelter there.

The state Order and county Directive both allow for travel to meet essential needs. Residents do not need to remain confined in their homes and can engage in outdoor activity, provided six feet of spacing is maintained between people who are not members of the same household.

“We’ve made it clear that folks are not bound to their homes and can go outside for a walk or basic exercise as long as six feet of social distancing can be maintained,” said Sisson. “We ask residents to use common sense and stay close to home to get their exercise, as the state has said as well. Traveling between different communities contributes to the spread of disease and the burden on small hospital systems.”

Local tourism officials are also discouraging visitors from flocking to the most popular destination sites in North Lake Tahoe.

According to the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association, while social distancing practices are evident in the community, an influx of visitors to the region will severely impact the “small but mighty” health care system, front-line service workers and the overall inventory of necessary supplies. For the safety of full-time residents and second homeowners, the North Lake Tahoe destination is asking people to refrain from visiting until it is deemed safe and viable.

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