SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — El Dorado County remains in the orange tier of the state’s COVID-19 monitoring system.

County Public Health Officer Nancy Williams in an updated report to the Board of Supervisors Tuesday noted the average new case rate and testing positivity rate both kept the county in the orange tier. If the county’s metrics decline enough for two consecutive weeks, the county could move to the yellow tier, although backward movement is also possible.

As of Oct. 12 the county has had 1,259 cases of COVID-19 with 1,113 recoveries; 30,595 people have been tested with negative results. There have been four deaths and two cases that resulted in patients needing treatment in the ICU.

The state has also issued new guidelines for gatherings that include limiting them to a maximum of three households at a time (general gatherings are still prohibited), requiring the wearing of face coverings, observing of social distancing and encouraging of outdoor rather than indoor gatherings, with the recommendation that gatherings be limited to two hours or less. 

With holiday events coming up in the next few months where families and friends typically gather, the state is also recommending holding them outside or virtually. 

A date for a virtual townhall meeting on COVID-19 has been set for Nov. 19 from 5:30-7 p.m. It will be moderated with a panel of speakers and include a situational update, scientific updates and discussion of hot topics.

Asked by Supervisor John Hidahl about contact tracing and locating the source of COVID-19 infections, Williams indicated they come from people traveling, the workplace and elsewhere.