Virus turns off holiday lighting ceremonies, including Parade of Lights

After consultation with the Douglas County officials, the towns, public safety agencies and Douglas County Emergency Management it was determined in-person public holiday events at the Towns of Gardnerville, Genoa, and Minden, as well as the 25th Annual Parade of Lights hosted by the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce have been cancelled. The action was deemed necessary for the safety of the community, due to the most recent State directive limiting public gatherings to no more than 50 people.

The towns will be turning on their Christmas lights, but without all the usual fanfare.

“This was a difficult decision. We know how important these events are to our community, but this is necessary for our fight against this pandemic,” Douglas County Manager Patrick Cates. “Douglas County has seen a significant increase in the number of COVID-19 cases with positive testing rates increasing rapidly. Hospitalizations for COVID-19 is increasing. It is essential to do everything we can to reduce the spread and relieve the stress on our healthcare system until there is widespread availability of an effective vaccine.”

Cates said the increase in cases and the potential to overwhelm health care were factors in the decision.

On Monday night, Douglas saw 33 more cases and no recoveries.

“Due to the increase in cases and the tax on our healthcare system, now is the time to increase our vigilance,” said Cates. “We are staying apart now so that when we come together again no one is missing.”

Residents are urged to protect themselves, family, friends, health care workers and community by following these prevention measures:

• Staying home except for essential needs/activities and following local and state public health guidelines when visiting businesses that are open

• Staying close to home, avoiding non-essential travel

• Keeping gatherings small, short and outdoors and limit them to those who live in your household

• Wearing a face mask when out in public

• Washing hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds

• Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands

• Covering a cough or sneeze with your sleeve, or disposable tissue and your hands afterward

• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick

• Staying away from work, school or other people if you become sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough

• Answer the call if a contact tracer from your local health department tries to connect

For the most current information on COVID-19 in Douglas County including statistics and testing information visit https://gethealthycarsoncity.org/novel-coronavirus-2019/