The mountains that draw millions of people to Mammoth Lakes have been around for thousands of years, but COVID-19 is a new virus that we are still learning about every day. As a result, we’re still figuring out exactly how Mammoth Lakes and the people who love its community and mountains will be moving forward in a world with COVID-19.
Anyone who was planning to attend an event in Mammoth Lakes in the near future knows exactly what we’re talking about. To help clear some of the confusion, the ASO Mammoth team has put together a short list of guidelines for what you need to know about Mammoth Lakes events and COVID-19 below. We hope to see you back in Mammoth Lakes soon!
The Best Resource for Your Event’s Status is the Organizer
Although there is currently a state stay at home order which discourages people from traveling for non-essential reasons, the best person to tell you whether your event, lodging, or any other business involved with your planned visit are the people who are in charge of those things. Although the state’s order is what’s limiting travel, your event organizer is the one who can tell you whether the event and its partners are still planning on holding the event and how they’re planning on doing it.
Mono county officials will not know the status of specific events in town, so the best way to find out the status of your event and trip is by speaking to the businesses and organizers in town.
Can Events Happen in Mammoth Lakes if People Practice Social Distancing and Wear Masks?
Unfortunately, the answer to this question is probably no for now.
At this time, facial coverings are required while in public and interacting with people outside of your home in Mammoth Lakes and all non-essential travel to Mammoth Lakes is also discouraged under the statewide stay at home order. As hard as it is to say, that means that people should refrain from traveling to Mammoth Lakes for events to prevent the spread of COVID-19 even if they plan on practicing social distancing and wearing face masks while in town. As we mentioned earlier, we are still learning about COVID-19 and how to best protect people from it. The best way to prevent the spread of COVID – 19 is by limiting travel for now, but the Mammoth Lakes community will be the first ones to welcome visitors back when it is safe to do so.
Is There a Chance That Mammoth Lakes Opens Before the Rest of California?
Once again, the answer to this question is no unfortunately.
Mono County is committed to keeping people safe and as more information comes out about COVID-19 the county will adjust how it does that. However, the county’s main priority now is to prevent a second wave of infections as the county and Mammoth Lakes reopens. The good news is that Mono County is currently in expanded stage two of its four step process to reopening. That means dine-in restaurants, RV parks and campgrounds, and bars are allowed to open as long as modifications are made to maintain social distancing.
Businesses must meet local, state, and federal guidelines to reopen, so before you assume a business or activity is reopening check online or call ahead to see if they’re open for business.
For more information about COVID-19 and Mammoth Lakes, check out Mono County’s COVID–19 response page. Mammoth Lake’s COVID-19 regulations will change as time goes on, so keep checking for updates on Mono County’s status here and elsewhere to stay informed and safe!