Full Notification

Clarifications of “Shelter-in-Place” Order Addenda -From County of Lake

Gary Pace MD, MPH

 

####CITY OF LAKEPORT NOTE-LIBRARY PARK IN LAKEPORT REMAINS FULLY CLOSED FOR ANY ACTIVITY####

 

Lake County, CA (April 24, 2020) – We are grateful to many members of the public and media for providing feedback on yesterday’s (April 23) “Shelter-in-Place Update” Order Addendum (C20-3, A4), which took effect at 2pm.

 

As mentioned in the Press Release accompanying the Order Addendum, yesterday’s Addendum was not intended to further restrict the ability of families living within the same household to engage in Essential Activities.

 

The intent was to enable additional opportunities for individuals and business to resume some relatively low risk activities, while observing social distancing, and gathering in groups no larger than two.  These measures are geared toward gradual resumption of community activities, and moderating the additional risk our communities are assuming.  While there may be other activities that carry a similar level of inherent risk, opening up too much at once could lead to a surge in infections.  A step-by-step approach is necessary at this time.

 

Yesterday’s Addendum was also intended to enable only the explicitly described additional activities, with the limitations noted in the Order Addendum.  Please see that Addendum (C20-3, A4) for specifics, and note the following clarification:

 

The expiration date of the existing Shelter-in-Place Order remains May 3, 2020.  An extension of the Order and/or updated Orders will be forthcoming.  The term of the Order and its restrictions will depend on modifications that the governor makes to the State Orders, and will also be based on the trajectory of the infection in Lake and neighboring counties.  

 

The addendum from April 23, only, expires on June 1.

 

A further Addendum (C20-A5) to the Shelter-in-Place Order, effective today (April 24) at 5pm, accompanies this Press Release and offers clarification of the status of boating and fishing in Lake County.  Please refer to today’s Addendum for specifics, but in light of questions received from the public, I will offer the following clarification here:

 

Limited permissions of boating and fishing apply to all City and County public waterways in Lake County.  

 

Public Health has also been informed Hidden Valley Lake is open to residents with restrictions, consistent with yesterday’s Order Addendum (C20-A4).

 

Fishing is allowed from the shoreline only.  No fishing from boats is permitted.

 

Swimming in waterways is not permitted.

 

We understand the Orders have severely affected people and businesses, and have sought to take reasonable, evidence-based action to promote Public Health throughout the COVID-19 crisis.  We will continue to monitor all available indicators of COVID-19 activity, and consider reintroduction of further activities, as appropriate.  Again, activities will be reintroduced gradually, in the interest of public health.

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

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.  Your cooperation with recommended precautions has made a tremendous difference so far, and will only become more important, as restrictions loosen.

 

Gary Pace MD, MPH

 

 

ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER No. C20-3; A5

Addendum A5 Dated April 24, 2020

SHELTER-IN-PLACE ORDER UPDATE

 

DATES OF PRIOR ORDERS

ORIGINAL ORDER – MARCH 18, 2020 and

ADDENDUM ORDER (A1) – MARCH 22, 2020

ADDENDUM ORDER (A2) – MARCH 23, 2020

ADDENDUM ORDER (A3) – APRIL 06, 2020

ADDENDUM ORDER (A4) – APRIL 23, 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 and Clarification of Public Health Order C20-3; A4:

 

1) The intent of Public Health Order C20-3 (A4), dated April 23, 2020, was to enable additional opportunities for individuals and businesses to resume some relatively low risk activities, while observing social distancing, and gathering in groups no larger than two.  Those measures were geared toward gradual resumption of community activities, and moderating the additional risk our communities are assuming.  While there may be other activities that carry a similar level of inherent risk, opening up too much at once could lead to a surge in infections.  A step-by-step approach is necessary at this time.

 

2) Yesterday’s addendum was also intended to enable only the explicitly described additional activities, with the limitations noted in the Order Addendum.  Please see that Addendum (C20-3, A4) for specifics, and note the following clarifications:

 

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 1700 HOURS ON THURSDAY APRIL 24, 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 addenda 1, 2, 3 & 4) will continue as written, except for the following clarifications:

 

A. Recreation:

 

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.

 

a) Fishing is allowed from the shoreline only.  No fishing from boats is permitted.

 

 

4.   Paddle-propelled watercraft that can be launched by hand are permitted in public waterways in the Cities and Unincorporated Areas of Lake County, with a maximum of 2 people per vessel.  Sailboats are excluded. Public boat ramps shall remain closed.

 

a) The limited permissions of boating and fishing apply to all City and County public waterways in Lake County. See order C20-3 (A4).

 

b) Swimming in the waterways is not permitted.

 

c) Out-of-County travel to access Lake County waterways is strongly discouraged.

 

In addition, the Effective date and time of Public Health Order C20-3 is clarified as follows:

 

The expiration date of the existing Shelter in Place Order remains May 3, 2020.  An extension of the Order and/or updated Orders will be forthcoming.  The term of the order and its restrictions will depend on modifications that the Governor makes to the State Orders and will also be based on the trajectory of the infection in Lake and Neighboring counties.

 

Addendum C20-3 (A4) dated April 23, 2020 shall expire on June 1, 2020.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Effective date and time. This Order shall become effective and operative at 1700 on April 24, 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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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: