Supervisor to Tourists: Stay Away From Idyllwild

Families looking for a trip to the snow in Idyllwild need to stay away during the COVID-19 outbreak, Supervisor Chuck Washington announced Friday.

Traveling during the COVID-19 crisis is not only risky – it is also prohibited. On April 6, the County of Riverside Public Health Officer banned all public and private gatherings of any size and ordered residents to wear face coverings outside of their homes. Violations of the order are punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 per violation per day or imprisonment.

“I understand that families who have been isolated for weeks want to entertain their kids, but we are in the middle of a public health crisis. We can’t risk families exposing themselves and the residents of Idyllwild to COVID-19 just for a snow trip,” said Washington, who represents the unincorporated community of Idyllwild on the Riverside County Board of Supervisors.

“This is a tough time for all of us, but if we all work together to stop the spread of COVID-19, we can save lives,” Washington said.

The order followed a state executive order requiring Californians to remain home “except as needed to maintain continuity of operations of the federal critical infrastructure sectors.” The permitted exceptions are listed here.

Washington said his office has heard from numerous concerned residents in recent weeks. With an estimated 2,500 residents, Idyllwild-Pine Cove does not have enough resources or medical services to provide for both residents and travelers.

Additionally, all short-term lodging facilities have been banned from operating until June 19 unless they are used to contain and mitigate COVID-19. Short-term lodging facilities include inns, hotels, motels, vacation rentals, timeshares and short-term rentals. An explanation of the exceptions to the short-term lodging order can be found by clicking here.

Violations of the County’s orders can be reported by emailing DOCLiaisonOfficer@rivco.org, calling 951-351-6866, by clicking here, or on the RivCoMobile app (available on iOS and Android phones).