Supervisor Sue Novasel District V Newsletter - April 17, 2020

April 17, 2020                                                                               Edition #33

Supervisor Novasel

El Dorado County

District V Supervisor, Sue Novasel Updates and Input Newsletter 

Greetings!

This weekend will mark one month since our County’s Health Officer issued her directive and Governor Newsom issued his stay-at-home order. El Dorado County is doing an outstanding job in slowing the spread of the virus – great job to all!

We are now getting a lot of questions as to when the stay-at-home orders will be lifted. While the
Governor has not identified a timeline as to when his order will be revised, he has laid out a plan that will inform his decision to begin relaxing the order. Please know that our Public Health Officer is working closely with the State Department of Public Health to find ways to get us going as soon as safely possible. We will let you know as soon as we can when there are any changes.

In the meantime, remember to take care of yourself – and make sure to do something for your mental as well as your physical health. Now is the time to get out and enjoy your neighborhood, whether by a walk, bike or car drive. Please be safe out there!

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El Dorado County COVID-19 Update

Update on COVID-19 cases in El Dorado County as of April 17, 2020.  

-- One new case, male 65+ from the Pollock Pines/Camino/Kyburz area (36)

-- Tested 60 more people (1460)

-- Two more recovered people (31)

http://ow.ly/3qSN50zhCuK

Weekend's here, stay disciplined. The results show it's working!

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USFS Issues Closures For South Shore Recreation Areas

Correction: Closures in the South Shore Recreation Corridor will be in effect through April 30, 2020.

In alignment with current federal, state and local guidance for social distancing and to ensure health and safety of its employees, visitors and volunteers, the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) will temporarily close national forest recreation sites and areas in the South Shore Recreation Corridor effective April 13, 2020.

South Shore recreation sites and areas impacted by this announcement include the following:

  • Pope-Baldwin National Recreation Bike Path
  • Pope Beach
  • Camp Richardson Resort
  • Camp Richardson Corral
  • Fallen Leaf Campground/Beach
  • Tallac Historic Site/Beach
  • Kiva Picnic Area/Beach
  • Kiva Beach/Tallac Point
  • Taylor Creek Visitor Center
  • Baldwin Beach

These closures will be in effect through April 30, 2020, and will address public health and safety concerns to area and site related recreation. A violation of this prohibition is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both per 16 USC 551 and 18 USC 3559, 3571, and 3581.

The USDA Forest Service may elect to temporarily suspend access to additional recreation areas that attract large crowds and cannot meet social distancing guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Visitors to national forests are urged to take the precautions recommended by the CDC so that these areas can remain open for everyone’s enjoyment.

To protect public health and safety, all recreationists enjoying open areas of their national forest near their neighborhoods are encouraged to:

  • Avoid visiting the forest if you are sick and/or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
  • Follow CDC guidance on personal hygiene and social distancing before and during your visit to the forest.
  • If an area is crowded, move to a less occupied location. Also consider avoiding the forest during high-use periods.
  • Take your trash with you when you leave. Trash overflowing the receptacles becomes potential sources for the spread of COVID-19.
  • Please make arrangements to use the restroom before or after your visit to the forest. Unmanaged waste creates a health hazard for other visitors and employees.

For tips from the CDC on preventing illnesses like the coronavirus, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html. Information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture is available at www.usda.gov/coronavirus.

For up-to-date information on the LTBMU and to view the forest closure order, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/ltbmu.

A Letter From Liberty Utilities

Important Update Regarding COVID-19

Dear Liberty Utilities Customer,

As the COVID-19 health emergency continues to impact residents and businesses across the country, we want to re-affirm our commitment to our customers and our communities. We have made changes to the way we do business to protect our customers, employees and communities.

$500,000 Donation
We are pleased to announce that we are donating $500,000 to support the communities in our service territories during the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds will be disbursed to a variety of community organizations and local assistance agencies. The funding will also provide much-needed supplies and support services for our COVID-19 heroes working tirelessly on the frontlines. We will also be donating 20,000 facemasks to help ensure these local heroes receive the protection they need as they continue to provide critical assistance to many individuals in Canada and the United States.

Assisting our Customers
We have made several changes to the way we do business in order to help customers during this difficult time. We have suspended disconnection of service for non-payment until further notice, and we have waived late payment fees.

We encourage any customers (residential and commercial) who are having difficulty paying their utility bills to reach out to us to work out a payment arrangement. We want to help you avoid having to settle unpaid balances all at once. We can spread those payments out over time.

Resources for Assistance
For residents in need of assistance, the United Way 211 program can help match you with local programs including health, nutrition and financial services. Call 211 or visit http://211.org/services/covid19

For small businesses needing financial assistance please contact the Small Business Association. They have a Payroll Protection Program, Load Advances, Bridge Loans and Debt Relief. https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options

Liberty Utilities Financial Programs: https://california.libertyutilities.com/north-lake-tahoe/residential/my-account/my-bill/electric-financial-programs.html

Our Commitment to You
We are committed to providing safe, reliable energy services to our customers. We are ready to respond to any emergency 24/7. We will continue to offer support throughout the duration of this health emergency and beyond.

Warmly,

Barton Health Continues Its Preparedness for COVID-19

Community Advisory and Updates from Barton Health as of April 16, 2020

To view this update in Spanish, CLICK HERE.

While determining the exact timing and scope of coronavirus’ peak in the Lake Tahoe region is difficult, Barton Health is working diligently to be prepared to respond accordingly and address the needs of patients in the community. Surge planning is almost complete including more than doubling hospital bed capacity, and expanding facilities to accommodate those who may be infected by the virus.

A new referral-only Respiratory Urgent Care clinic is now available to treat patients who have symptoms of respiratory illness and also the need for urgent medical services such as treating cuts and lacerations, concussions, injuries, and other care that can be addressed outside of the Emergency Department. Respiratory Urgent Care services are available inside Barton’s Urgent Care facility in Stateline, Nevada. Patients should call 530.600.1999 before arriving and are asked to limit the number of visitors accompanying them; especially older adults and those with underlying medical conditions.

As Barton readies its facilities, the community also has an on-going role in the local response. Efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 transmission by staying home unless necessary, and practicing social distancing when in public are key in the management of the coronavirus
pandemic. Residents are urged to continue to follow shelter in place directives as the area sees an uptick in sunny, warmer weather. Now is the time to keep these efforts up and support community health and safety.

To help residents understand various shelter in place orders across its bi-state service area, Barton has summarized directives from state, county and local municipalities, as well as answers to Frequently Asked Questions on current restrictions and guidelines. This shelter in place summary and FAQ section are available with other COVID-19 resources at:
bartonhealth.org/shelterinplace

Ongoing operational changes across Barton Health include the following list, with new updates noted in bold at the top:

Patients who screen accordingly through the COVID-19 Health Line, 530.600.1999, will be registered for in-person visits at Barton’s Respiratory Screening Center or Respiratory Urgent Care, as appropriate.

 Barton’s referral-only COVID-19 Drive-up Clinic will be utilized as needed, determined
by patient volume.

 Barton Rehabilitation has relocated Outpatient Rehabilitation Services to its office in Stateline, NV. Call 775.589.8924 to make an appointment.

 Inpatient Rehabilitation is still located at Barton Hospital and available via phone at 530.543.5897.

 Barton Cardiology has relocated to 1139 Third Street in South Lake Tahoe.

 Orthopedic services have been relocated from the Barton Center for Orthopedics & Wellness to 1067 Fourth Street in South Lake Tahoe.

 Occupational Health services are available by appointment only.

 Barton Community Health Center hours of operations are Monday - Thursday, 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. All appointments will take place in the facility’s 2201 South Ave. building.

 Visitation is no longer permitted at Barton Memorial Hospital. Exceptions include one partner for a mother in labor, one parent/guardian for pediatric patients, and a patient that is facing end-of-life.

 Barton staff are stationed at entrances screening patients, employees, and any designated visitors; screening protocol includes taking temperatures upon arrival.

 Public access for general medical services to the hospital is through the Front Lobby Monday - Saturday, 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. and limited access is through the Emergency Department on Sundays only.

 Patients seeking care at Barton Urgent Care should call before arriving: 775.589.8901.

 Those with appointments will be met outside the entrance and escorted in.

 All Medical Imaging services continue to be available Monday - Saturday by appointment.

Patients experiencing respiratory symptoms should call Barton’s 24/7 COVID-19 Health Line, 530.600.1999, and self-isolate while having symptoms.

The latest local, state and federal updates on COVID-19 and recommended health and safety guidelines are available on Barton’s homepage at bartonhealth.org.

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IN THIS ISSUE

Greeting

EDC COVID-19 Update

USFS Closes Recreation Areas

Liberty Utilities Letter

Barton Health Prepared

volunteer

Below are links to Federal Guidance issued on 3.20.20:

White House

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

United States Food and Drug Administration

Department of Homeland Security

United States Treasury

United States Department of Defense

United States Department of Agriculture

Department of Education

United States Environmental Protection Agency

United States Department of Housing and Urban Development

United States Department of Transportation

United States Department of Veterans Affairs

 

 

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