News
State officials release guidance to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in food and beverage venues
- Details
- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
“These are aggressive, but necessary actions to protect our communities,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom. “We all have a role to play when it comes to preventing the spread of COVID-19. These establishments that are remaining open should think creatively about how they can continue to provide services to the community. Shifting operations to focus on pick up and delivery options should be prioritized.”
The guidance will protect individuals attending and working at these venues and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the community.
Consolidated guidance is available on the California Department of Public Health's Guidance page.
Retail beverage service venues
· Bars, wineries, breweries and pubs should be closed, except for venues that are currently authorized to provide off sale beer and wine to be consumed off premises are allowed.
· This guidance is not intended to affect production of beer and wine.
· Bars, breweries, pubs and wineries that include meals provided by a full kitchen should follow the restaurant guidance below if they provide delivery or pick-up options.
Restaurants/cafeterias
· Restaurants should be closed for in-restaurant seated dining and should be open only to drive-through or other pick-up/delivery options.
· Remind employees of best hygiene practices including washing their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
· Increase frequency of cleaning and sanitizing per CDC Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection guidance of all hard surfaces, including tables and countertops that are being utilized by employees and patrons during pickup/delivery options.
Food trucks
· Increase frequency of cleaning of menus, cash registers, receipt trays, condiment holders, writing instruments and other non-food contact surfaces frequently touched by patrons and employees.
· Ensure that social distancing of 6 feet per person for non-family members is maintained and make clear that family members can participate together, stand in line together, etc.
· Limiting the number of people in lines.
· Increase frequency of cleaning and sanitizing per CDC Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection guidance of all hard surfaces.
· Remind employees of best hygiene practices including washing their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Grocery stores and charitable food distribution sites
· The food distribution chain is critical to the public’s health.
· Grocery stores and charitable food distribution sites should remain fully open and operational.
As with other settings, ensure that social distancing of 6 feet per person for nonfamily members is maintained and make clear that family members can participate in activities together, stand in line together, etc.
· Social distancing of six feet per person, particularly between individuals who have come together on a one-time or rare basis.
· Limiting the number of customers at any given time as necessary to reduce outdoor/indoor crowding and lines to meet social distancing guidance.
· Increase cleaning and sanitizing frequency of restroom and other high contact areas.
· Train employees on best hygiene practices including washing their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
· Additional opportunities throughout the venue for persons to reduce the spread of the virus through hand washing or sanitizing stations.
· Eliminate events/marketing that target individuals that CDPH has identified as higher risk of serious illness for COVID-19.
· Stores that have online ordering with outside pick-up or delivery options should encourage use of these when possible in lieu of indoor shopping.
Certified farmers’ markets
· Space booths accordingly to increase social distancing among patrons in line and walking about the market.
· Ensure that social distancing of six feet per person for non-family members is maintained and make clear that family members can participate in activities together, stand in line together, etc.
· Limit the number of customers at any given time as necessary to reduce outdoor/indoor crowding and lines to meet social distancing guidance.
· Increase cleaning and sanitizing frequency of restroom and other high contact areas.
· Train employees on best hygiene practices including washing their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
· Offer additional hand washing or sanitizing stations throughout the venue.
· Eliminate events/marketing that target individuals that CDPH has identified as higher risk of serious illness for COVID-19.
· Encourage activities such as pre-bagging to expedite purchasing.
· Suspend sampling activities.
· Increase frequency of cleaning of tables, payment devices, and other surfaces.
· Eliminate non-essential/non-related services, such as bands or other entertainment.
· At the end of the market, continue to utilize local food recovery systems to feed/donate extra products to populations in need.
· If applicable, continue accepting EBT payment.
- Details
- Written by: Lake County News reports
“Continuing concerns about the risks associated with the spread of the COVID (coronavirus), especially with large crowds and the fact that most of our volunteers are seniors, have informed our decision,” said Derby organizer Dennis Locke.
Sponsored by the Clearlake Oaks-Glenhaven Business Association, the derby will be rescheduled.
The new dates are Aug. 21, 22 and 23. The location and times will remain the same.
“Our Board of Directors, in consultation with Dennis Locke, were unanimous in the decision to postpone the derby to later in the year when we hope the threats are better understood and the virus is contained,” said Association President Camille Gouldberg.
“Registrations had begun coming in,” said Locke. “We have already begun the process of contacting each registrant.”
The Catfish Derby is an annual event and the largest of its kind west of the Mississippi.
“We usually see from 900 to 1,000 registered anglers plus their families and friends,” said Locke. “It’s an important boost to our local economy and countywide; planning for a later event is well underway.”
For the latest updates on the derby, other events and association meetings, please check our website at www.clearlakeoaks.org and Facebook pages at Catfish Derby at the Oaks and Clearlake Oaks-Glenhaven Business Association.
Please call the derby phone, 707-596-0548, if you have any questions.
- Details
- Written by: Lake County News reports
Assistant City Manager Kevin Ingram said that, as a means to aid in stopping the continued spread of COVID-19 – the illness caused by the novel coronavirus – the city is implementing social distancing practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“The city’s priority during this declared emergency is to continue to protect the public, as well as our employees, so we may continue to serve, by limiting the spread of COVID-19. We appreciate your understanding and your patience,” Ingram said.
As a result, Ingram said the city is closing the public lobbies of Lakeport City Hall and Lakeport Police Department until Monday, April 13.
On Friday, City Manager Margaret Silveira issued a state of emergency declaration due to the threat of COVID-19, which the Lakeport City Council is due to consider at its Tuesday evening meeting.
The city of Clearlake and county of Lake took similar actions on Friday, and on Sunday Lake County school superintendents closed all public schools through April 10, as Lake County News has reported.
As of Monday afternoon, Public Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace said there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Lake County.
Ingram said the city of Lakeport remains committed to the provision of high-quality essential services during this evolving emergency.
“With the safety of the citizens and the employees of the city of Lakeport in mind, those seeking services from the city are requested to conduct activities through the phone or by email,” Ingram said.
Specific contact information for city services is provided below.
Police services
The Lakeport Police Department will continue to respond to emergency calls and non-emergency calls for service.
For emergencies, call 911 and non-emergencies, call 707-263-2690.
For general administrative business (e.g. evidence and records requests, tow retrieval, etc.) please call 707-263-5491, Extension 8, or email
Fire and emergency medical services
For all fire and medical-related emergencies call 911. For all other fire and administrative services, call 707-263-4296 or email
Utility payments and account services
To speak with a Lakeport Finance Department representative regarding utility billing or account services, please call 707-263-5615 ext.305 or email
Utility payments may be made online at https://www.municipalonlinepayments.com/lakeportca or by phone at 1-833-208-7229.
Building and planning services, permitting and inspections
For assistance related to building and planning services, permitting and inspections, please call 707-263-5615, Extension 204, or email
Public Works
For the reporting of utility and infrastructure problems, please call 707-263-3578 or email
Business licensing
For payments, obtaining a license or general business licensing inquiries, please call 707-263-5615, Extension 204, or email
Special events scheduling and reservations
Reserving public spaces and requesting street closures for special events during this continuing emergency will be limited.
For more information please call 707-263-5615, Extension 102, or by email at
Public meetings
The city of Lakeport is working on alternative procedures for the administering of upcoming public meetings, including Lakeport City Council meetings.
Additional information will be issued prior to the Tuesday, March 17, Lakeport City Council meeting, which begins at 6 p.m.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
On Friday, City Manager Alan Flora declared a state of emergency in the city due to concerns about the threat of COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus, as Lake County News has reported.
The Clearlake City Council is due to ratify that state of emergency declaration at its meeting on Thursday evening, Flora said.
Last week, the city of Lakeport and county of Lake took similar actions to declare emergencies in their jurisdictions, and on Sunday the superintendents of the county’s school districts closed all public schools through April 10.
While there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 yet in Clearlake or Lake County, Flora said the declaration will allow city officials to facilitate the mobilization of local resources and gives us the ability to coordinate interagency response, accelerate procurement of vital supplies, use mutual aid, and allow for future reimbursement by the state and federal governments.
Flora said in the Monday City Hall closure announcement that preparation is critical to successfully responding to COVID-19.
Citing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Flora said social distancing is a vital component of preventing the spread of COVID19 by minimizing the risk of exposure.
“The situation surrounding COVID-19 is rapidly changing and we are implementing measures to mitigate the spread of the virus,” Flora said.
That led to his decision to close city hall to the public until at least March 31.
“This closure includes both the lobby of the administrative offices and the police department lobby,” Flora said. “The city will attempt to facilitate normal business through phone calls, email, and video conferencing as necessary.”
Flora added, “The city’s priority during this declared emergency is to continue to protect the public, as well as our employees so we may continue to serve, by limiting the spread of COVID-19. We appreciate your understanding and your patience.”
Community members are invited to call the city at 707-994-8201 for questions or accommodations in conducting city business.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
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