Pace said Sunday that there are no confirmed cases in Lake County so far, but his updated order came hours after Napa County confirmed its first two cases of the illness, caused by the novel coronavirus.
The updated order also followed by several hours Gov. Gavin Newsom’s request to President Donald Trump for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration.
“We are moving into a new phase of preparation for the outbreak, which demands we take major steps towards limitation of social contact to prevent transmission,” Pace said.
Citing the spread of COVID-19 infections across the region, Pace reported that, “Despite concerns, and restrictions placed last week, significant recreational activity that increases the risk of transmission was observed this weekend in local parks, hotels and on Clear Lake.”
Based on those factors, Pace issued an addendum to Health Order c20-3, which he issued on Wednesday and which ordered residents countywide to shelter in place.
The Sunday addendum to the original Public Health order goes into effect at 11 a.m. Monday, March 23, and will remain in effect until 11:59 pm. Friday, April 10.
Pace said the addendum immediately mandates the closure of Lake County waterways, including Clear Lake, Blue Lakes, Highland Springs Reservoir, Cache Creek, Lake Pillsbury, Indian Valley Reservoir and any other public, navigable waterway to any recreational boating activity.
In addition, he’s ordering the cessation of lodging in motels, hotels, campgrounds, RV parks, and vacation rentals – such as AirBNBs – except for medical staff, COVID-19 emergency workers, construction workers of critical infrastructure and permanent residents who have resided on-site since prior to March 9.
Anyone claiming exemption – other than first responders and medical staff – will need written approval from the Lake County Health Services Department, Pace said.
Pace said the addendum also imposes further restrictions on activity on the lake and on travel and lodging for people coming from outside of Lake County.
Violation of the order is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine, jail time or both.
Community members wanting more information can visit the Lake County Health Services Department’s website, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the department during business hours at 707-263-8174.
Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
Lake County, Calif., Public Order c20-3 Addendum (a1) 03.22.20 by LakeCoNews on Scribd