A recent order by Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Cameron Kaiser limiting short-term lodging for novel coronavirus response only does not apply to recreational vehicle (RV) parks or campgrounds. These parks are deemed essential businesses and should remain operational.

The March 27 order, which included short-term home rentals, hotels and motels, is only for vacation rentals reported to county officials, and should not include recreational vehicle parks.

“The order was directed at lodging establishments that were still booking rooms for visitors,” Kaiser said. “I don’t want to see additional homelessness during this crisis, and we know people rely on RV parks for a safe place to be.”

RV parks are considered essential business operations because they provide valuable and necessary housing options during the COVID-19 crisis.

Limited activities allowed under the order included providing lodging to protect the homeless population or for essential workers. Providing lodging for anyone who must leave their home to safely isolate from other family members, or family members displaced due to someone self-isolating at home, are also permitted under the order.

As he put it in a news release on March 27: “Now isn’t the time to visit Riverside County. Slowing the spread of COVID-19 means folks need to stay put in their own neighborhoods.”

This order is in conjunction with the governor’s order to stay at home issued on March 19, the County of Riverside local health emergency declared on March 8, as well as the local emergency proclaimed on March 10.

Image Sources

  • Recreational vehicle: Pixaby