The state’s regional stay-at-home order went into effect Thursday in the Greater Sacramento region with 13 counties locking down services and recreation.
With Christmas just around the corner, it is a huge blow to the tourist season at Lake Tahoe.
“It’s huge and it’s so sad - and we’re not the only destination that is experiencing this - but, you know, for us as a winter destination, as a holiday destination for the California side and for the businesses on that side,” said Carole Chaplin, president and CEO of the Lake Tahoe Visitor’s Authority.
While skiing is still allowed and the resorts are open, serious travel restrictions are in place and hotel reservations are being canceled at a time when they are normally booked solid.
“Hotels will only be honoring reservations that they have on the books for stays that are happening now, so they cannot honor reservations going forward,” said Chaplin.
The restrictions do not apply to all of the Tahoe basin, as Nevada’s current restrictions are far less strict.
“Still open at 25% capacity for gaming and restaurants and 100% capacity for lodging,” Chaplin explained.
The California order lasts for at least three weeks. People who own a second home in the area are not barred from visiting, although nonessential travel is strongly discouraged.