Full Notification

ADDENDUM TO LAKE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS EFFECTIVE AT 2 PM TODAY 04/23/20

Included below are a county press release, the updated health officer orders and information regarding Library Park.  While some changes such as allowing fishing from shore where parks are open would be allowed, they are not applicable to Library Park:

CITY OF LAKEPORT

Library Park remains fully closed: Updated Health Officer Orders allowing activity do not apply to Library Park

Updated Lake County Public Health Orders Issued today by Health Officer Doctor Gary Pace now allow some activities including fishing from shore, hiking and jogging in areas where public parks are open. Library Park remains fully closed and these activities will not be allowed. While the city does desire to open Library Park as soon as we can, we must be able to fully provide for public health and safety and there are additional reasons why we can not yet allow any activities. Major construction is still in progress at Library Park, to protect our employees we have limited park staff available and we do not have any open public restrooms available. We will continually assess our ability to allow public access as we understand the people’s desire to use their public park lands.

 

COUNTY OF LAKE, CALIFORNIA PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

COVID-19 Update: Beginning to Loosen Restrictions

Gary Pace MD, MPH

 

Lake County, CA (April 23, 2020) – Five weeks have passed since the initiation of the Shelter-in-Place Orders.  The orders that went into place on March 18 were instituted to protect the public’s health from the imminent threat posed by the COVID-19 outbreak in neighboring counties.

 

Since the anticipated surge in coronavirus cases has not materialized, we are taking the first steps toward loosening up some of the restrictions that limit social mobility and business activity in Lake County. The Governor’s Orders have the ultimate authority, however; local Public Health Orders can be more restrictive, but not less.

 

At 2:00 pm today April 23, some loosening of restrictions will go into effect (with restrictions aimed at maintaining social distancing).

 

Today’s Addendum to the Shelter-in-Place Order is not intended to further restrict the ability of families living within the same household to engage in Essential Activities. The intent is to enable additional opportunities for individuals and business to resume relatively low risk activities, while observing social distancing, and gathering in groups no larger than two.

 

Please see the Order for specifics:

 

Recreation that will be allowed:

o Golf courses can open in a limited way.

o Hiking and jogging at parks that are open.

o Canoeing, kayaking, and other paddle-propelled, hand-launched watercraft are allowed in the lake, excluding sailboats.

o Highland Springs Shooting Ranges can open.

o Other solitary recreational activities that do not involve physical contact or group activity (like shooting baskets, Frisbee golf, archery) will be allowed.

o Fishing from the shore.

 

Businesses

o Pet grooming.

o Real estate transactions can be pursued.  They should be done as much as possible virtually, but can be done in person when necessary.

o Note: While there has been public interest, hair salons and cosmetology are still not permitted to operate, under the Governor’s order.

This loosening will hopefully allow the community to get some relief from staying inside all the time.  However, significant health risks associated with COVID-19 do remain.

 

Particularly as restrictions begin to loosen, it is essential that people:

Maintain social distancing, keep good hygiene, and preferably wear masks when out.

Vulnerable populations (over 65 and/or with chronic medical conditions) should continue to stay safe at home.

We discourage people from crossing county lines, since this is an important way that the virus spreads.

The economy is a primary concern now, due to the terrible impact these public health measures have had on business.  Once the governor makes some changes in the order, we can begin to loosen some restrictions.  These will happen on a step by step basis, with a lot of planning.  A few groups are already working on plans to begin to relax the restrictions in a safe and equitable way.

 

We continue to have 6 confirmed cases in the County.  If the numbers begin to rise, we will always be prepared to tighten restrictions back down, in order to prevent big surges in infection.  We know these social distancing measures can be effective, and we have them available, if necessary.

 

Thank you to everyone who has been cooperating with these measures, and we hope to be able to make some progress in opening more businesses soon.  We also want to thanks the hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes for the great work they have been doing to prepare for the infections, and in keeping people healthy during this challenging time.

 

For Lake County-specific Coronavirus information, please continue to visit the Lake County Health Services Department’s website, http://health.co.lake.ca.us.  The Lake County Coronavirus Response Hub has additional valuable resources: https://lake-co-ca-coronavirus-response-lakecoca.hub.arcgis.com/

 

If you still have questions, send an email request: [email protected].                                           

 

You can also call during business hours: 707-263-8174

 

Thank you for continuing to respect and protect your neighbors, by exercising precautions, as consistent with State and local Health Orders.

 

Gary Pace MD, MPH

 

UPDATED HEALTH OFFICER ORDERS

 

 

ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER No. C20-3; A4

Addendum A4 Dated April 23, 2020

SHELTER-IN-PLACE ORDER UPDATE

 

DATES OF PRIOR ORDERS

ORIGINIAL ORDER – MARCH 18, 2020 and

ADDENDUM ORDER (A1) – MARCH 22, 2020

ADDENDUM ORDER (A2) – MARCH 23, 2020

ADDENDUM ORDER (A3) – APRIL 06, 2020

 

Please read this Order carefully.  Violation of or failure to comply with this Order is a misdemeanor punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both.  (California Health and Safety Code § 120295, et seq.; California Penal Code §§ 69, 148(a)(1); Lake County Administrative Code Article I, Section 1-10.

 

Rationale:

 

1) Given the presence of COVID-19 infection in California and the San Francisco Bay Area leading to (as of 4/22/20 at 1700) a total of 37,350 cases in California and 1,420 deaths; and given cases in the region continue to increase, but at a markedly lower rate than had been expected, presumably because Shelter-in-Place strategies have had an effect;

 

2) Additionally, the economy and social well-being of much of the population of Lake County have been severely affected; it is important to consider whether certain activities and businesses previously deemed non-essential that are able to readily allow for social distancing, may safely resume.

 

3) Therefore, I plan to begin to relax the restrictions on social mobility and business activity in Lake County in a planned, strategic fashion, with the following principles in mind:

 

a. We will continue to comply with State-issued mandates.

 

b. We will seek to align with regional approaches to Shelter-in-Place whenever possible and appropriate for Lake County.

 

c. It is highly recommended vulnerable populations (age 65 and over, people with underlying medical conditions that put them at increased risk of severe COVID-19 complications) should continue to shelter-in-place, and maintain strict social distancing;

 

d. All people will maintain social distancing when outside of the home, and preferably use cloth facial coverings;

 

e. People are discouraged from traveling more than 10 miles from their home for recreation or other non-essential activities.  This recommendation applies to people coming from out of the area to visit, pursue real estate deals, and other activities due to the increased risk of viral transmission from out-of-county travel.

 

f. People who choose to go out and participate in activities enabled by relaxation of restrictions are aware they do so at their own risk, recognizing they may be exposing themselves, their family, and friends to increased risk of COVID-19 infection;

 

g. Initial activities that will be allowed will be chosen because of the ability for people to engage in them while maintaining adequate social distancing and avoiding group congregation.  These distancing efforts clearly decrease the risk of spread of the virus should one of the participants be infected, thus limiting rapid spread of COVID-19 in our vulnerable community.

 

h. Public Health will continue to monitor cases of COVID-19 infection, hospitalizations, and death; should a significant rise in cases occur, loosening of restrictions will be reversed.

 

The Health Officer may revise this Order as the situation evolves, and all service providers and managers of facilities subject to this Order must stay updated by regularly checking the Public Health website (http://health.co.lake.ca.us/Coronavirus.htm).

 

UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF CALIFORNIA HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTIONS 101040, 101085, AND 120175, THE HEALTH OFFICER OF THE COUNTY OF LAKE (“HEALTH OFFICER”) ORDERS THE FOLLOWING (TO TAKE EFFECT 1400 HOURS ON THURSDAY APRIL 23, 2020):

 

1. Continue following the Governor’s EXECUTIVE ORDER N-33-20, dated March 19, 2020, except in the instances where the local Health Order is more restrictive.

 

2. Public Health Order C20-3 (with addendums 1,2 & 3) will continue as written, except for the following additions/modifications:

 

A. Recreation:

1. Golf courses can now open for play (excluding pro shops and restaurants), provided the following are strictly observed:

a) Social distancing of 6 feet or more must be maintained;

b) No gathering of more than 2 people, only one person per cart;  

c) All ball washers shall be covered and flag pins shall be removed;

d) The cup on each green shall be inverted or otherwise installed to eliminate high-frequency touch services on the greens and tees;

e) Persons may use a driving range provided range balls are properly sanitized before distribution to customers (stand-alone golf driving ranges may also operate);

f) Practice putting greens shall remain closed;

g) Any “Pro Shops” or similar facilities designed for the sale of golf-related equipment and supplies shall remain closed; and

h) Snack shop(s) and restaurant(s) shall remain closed.

 

2. Other outdoor activities are permitted, as long as they are performed alone, with no direct or indirect physical contact, without sharing equipment, and with no group congregation (examples may include shooting baskets, archery, Frisbee golf, etc.), provided the following are observed:

a) Social distancing must be maintained;

b) Play structures in parks shall remain closed until further notice, due to concerns regarding increased risk of viral transmission.

3. Fishing from the shore of the lake (in areas where the parks are open) is permitted, as long as social distancing of 6 feet is maintained.  No gatherings of more than 2 people.

 

4. Hiking and jogging in parks that are open for such purposes is permitted, provided

social distancing of 6 feet is maintained.  No gatherings of greater than 2 people.

 

5. Paddle-propelled watercraft that can be launched by hand are permitted in the

lake, with a maximum of 2 people in them.  Sailboats are excluded. Public boat ramps shall remain closed.

 

6. Highland Springs Firing Ranges are permitted to open, provided appropriate

social distancing is maintained.

 

B. Businesses:

1) Real estate: virtual showings and dealings need to be the first line approach to real estate viewing and transactions.  In order to limit possible exposure, no more than two visitors at a time representing the buyer and one individual showing the unit are allowed.  The current residents of the unit should not be present.  Cloth facial coverings must be used, and proper hand-washing and disinfection practices must be performed for in person showings.

 

2) Pet groomers can open with appropriate social distancing.

 

3) Hair/Nail salons, Barber shops and Cosmetology businesses will remain closed at this point, in accordance with the current state orders.

1. Definitions:

a. Social Distancing Requirements. “Social Distancing Requirements” means and includes maintaining at least a six-foot physical distance from other persons,

b. Proper Hand Washing. Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using hand sanitizer, as frequently as possible,

c. Covering coughs or sneezes (into the sleeve or elbow, not hands),

d. Regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces

e. Not shaking hands.

 

1. Compliance. The violation of any provision of this Order constitutes a threat to public health, and a public nuisance per se. Pursuant to Health and Safety Code sections 101040 and 120175, Civil Code section 3494 and Code of Civil Procedure section 731, the Health Officer or any other authorized County of Lake official may enforce any violation of this Order and abate the public nuisance by obtaining injunctive relief from a court of competent jurisdiction. In addition, pursuant to Government Code sections 26602 and 41601 and Health and Safety Code section101029, the Health Officer requests that the Sheriff and all Chiefs of Police in the County ensure compliance with and enforce this Order.

 

1. Effective date and time. This Order shall become effective and operative at 1400 on April 23, 2020, and will continue to be in effect until 11:59 p.m. on June 1, 2020, or until it is extended, rescinded, superseded or amended in writing by the Health Officer.

 

1.  Continuing assessment. The Health Officer will continue to assess the quickly evolving situation, and may issue additional orders related to COVID-19 and will review this Order within two weeks of its effective date.

 

1. Copies of Order. Copies of this Order shall promptly be: (1) made available at the County of Lake Public Health Office, 922 Bevins Court, Lakeport, California, 95453; (2) posted on the Lake County Public Health Department website and (3) provided to any member of the public requesting a copy of this Order.

 

1. Severability. If any provision of this Order or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of the Order, including the application of such part or provision to other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected and shall continue in full force and effect. To this end, the provisions of this Order are severable.

IT IS SO ORDERED: