How Local Businesses & Tourism Industry Leaders
Are Preparing for COVID-19
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As industries around the world prepare for economic impacts as a result of COVID-19, the travel/tourism industry will no doubt be effected. However, the majority of U.S. travelers are optimistic and as of today, 81% of Americans with previously booked travel plans are still holding onto their reservations. Read below for best practices, industry insights and community resources as we continue to navigate next steps together.
The North Lake Tahoe Destination Management Organization (NLTRA + IVCBVB)
is carefully monitoring developments of COVID-19 and following recommendations from our leaders to ensure communication lines are open and talking points are driven by
fact, not fear.
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Visitation Predictions & Media Monitoring
U.S. travel consumers are more likely to vacation domestically, creating an opportunity for North Lake Tahoe to attract additional drive market guests.
The North Lake Tahoe DMO is evaluating media opportunities on a weekly basis, and will proactively pivot market spending if necessary in an effort to support local businesses and minimize what could be visitation fallout.
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The North Lake Tahoe DMO will host stakeholder call on Tuesday, March 17 at 3:30pm to discuss tourism industry updates and best practices amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Please
confirm your interest
to receive call details. The call will feature state, county and local experts who will provide vital information to help our local industry navigate this increasingly complex issue. More details to follow.
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From North Lake Tahoe Resort Association, CVB & Chamber of Commerce CEO,
Jeffrey Hentz
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Our collective goal is to ensure our business communities, event planners and residents have the resources they need to respond accurately to COVID-19 concerns. We are continuing to welcome visitors to the region and imploring both businesses and lodging partners who have taken the steps to ensure the safety of our visitors and residents alike. Numerous health officials have affirmed that the risk remains low for travelers who follow CDC guidelines.
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From Incline Village Crystal Bay Visitors Bureau President & CEO,
Andy Chapman
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As with any crisis situation, our internal teams are actively planning, not panicking, so that we can respond with accurate and timely information as it relates to the North Lake Tahoe destination. We will continue to be the go-to source for information regarding travel, monitoring and sharing information distributed by industry leaders (i.e. Visit California, Travel Nevada, public health officials, among others). Most important is relaying fact-based communications so all of our local leaders continue to be on the same page.
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From Visit California President & CEO, Caroline Beteta
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Our strongest asset in this climate of uncertainty is open, fact-based communication and the spirit of togetherness that has delivered our industry through many past crisis events. According to the CDC, the health risk for most travelers remains low. Residents and visitors should follow proper hygiene practices, just as they would with the seasonal flu or other contagious illnesses.
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From Nevada Department of Tourism & Cultural Affairs Director, Brenda Scolari
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Travel Nevada joins North Lake Tahoe and nearly 150 other travel-related organizations in the U.S. in urging travelers to make
fact-based decisions
about traveling. At this time, federal public health officials have issued no warnings or restrictions on travel in the U.S., including Nevada, and the overall risk for most Americans remains low. We are encouraging travelers to review the latest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization to inform their travel decisions, and for those who intend to travel, our hospitality professionals will be here to welcome them.
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For industry talking points, media statements and more resources from the industry leaders at Visit California, see
here
. (updated by 10 a.m. seven days a week).
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A coalition of 150 travel-related organizations issued the following statement on the latest developments around coronavirus:
Health and government officials have continually assured the public that healthy Americans can ‘confidently travel in this country.’ While it’s critically important to remain vigilant and take useful precautions in times like these, it’s equally important to make calm, rational, and fact-based decisions.
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Resources from Community, Health and Public Officials
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Global Updates & Resources
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Tahoe Forest Health System
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Tahoe Forest Health System (TFHS) routinely practices prevention measures for infectious diseases in our community, and is prepared to treat patients who seek care for infectious illness.
Read more.
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The Washoe County Health District is monitoring developments of COVID-19 closely. For more information, please see their
infographic
.
The Washoe County Health District scheduled a COVID-19 press conference where District Health Officer, Kevin Dick provided a brief statement and answered questions from media. View the live stream via
Washoe County Health District Facebook
.
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The Placer County Health Department issued a statement that references mass gathering guidance from the California Department of Health, outlining recommendations and requirements for public event organizers. Placer County is entering Scenario II recommendations.
Read more
.
Placer County Health Officers recommend COVID-19 mitigation efforts that will extend through March 31, 2020.
Read more
. Watch the Facebook Live stream
here
.
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California Department of Health
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As of March 9, 2020, there are a total of 133 positive cases and one death in California: 24 cases are from repatriation flights. The other 109 confirmed cases include 44 that are travel related, 28 due to person-to-person, 19 community acquired and 18 from unknown sources.
More public health labs will soon be able to test for COVID-19. This means California public health officials will get test results sooner, so that patients will get the best care.
Read more
.
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TahoeTruckee Unified School District
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The health and safety of our students and staff is a top priority. While the Tahoe Truckee community does not yet have any confirmed, positive cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), we are preparing in case there is an outbreak in our area. We’d like to share with you some of the proactive steps the district is currently taking to be ready for the possible spread of the virus.
Read more
.
Real-time updates from the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District can be found
here
.
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North Lake Tahoe Slated Events Move Forward
As of March 11, 2020 the following events are moving forward as planned with necessary preventative precautions taking place. Developments of COVID-19 change rapidly and given the latest Scenario II recommendations from Placer County Health, there could be considerable changes in the near future.
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Powabunga Lake Tahoe
Crystal Bay, March 20-22
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Powabunga, the new music and mountain festival coming to Crystal Bay and the Biltmore this March is moving forward, working closely with Washoe County Health Officials to ensure attendee safety.
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WinterWonderGrass
Squaw Valley, March 27-29
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Event producers with WinterWonderGrass are in constant communication with Placer County, State, Resort and CDC Officials to ensure extra cautionary steps are in place to host a safe outdoor winter gathering. Event attendees will see extra hand washing stations, additional medical protocols, new service procedures and beverage handling protocols.
I
f a participant prefers to reschedule their trip, WWG will honor tickets purchased for the 2020 festival for 2021 Tahoe WWG or the 2022 event. WWG will honor this policy through March 15th, please contact them
HERE
prior to that date. Please note, as with other festivals, sporting events etc., WWG has a strict “no refund” policy.
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Mountain Travel Symposium
Squaw Valley, March 29-April 4
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The MTS team continues to plan confidently for the show and currently have no plans to postpone or cancel the event. The MTS team is monitoring the World Health Organization and Center for Disease Control sites regarding developments of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and its global impact. They are also monitoring any health advisories issued by the United States and the countries attendees will be coming from.
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