County urges tourists to stay away from Idyllwild, other mountain communities during pandemic

Authorities are urging tourists to stay away from our mountain communities during the coronavirus crisis. Visitors risk penalties for violating the county’s stay at home order. 

County Supervisor Chuck Washington shared a message last week, asking people to respect the order and refrain from making any trips up the mountain. “Please help us protect Idyllwild by staying away until after the COVID-19 crisis,” said Washington in a video. 

Washington also asked the Sheriff’s Department to be on the lookout for non-essential mountain visitors that are increasing risk of exposure for mountain residents. 

“Idyllwild does not have a hospital or adequate medical clinics to handle a covid-19 outbreak,” said Washington.  

Some Idyllwild locals are echoing that concern: “If you get a bunch of people in town sick...we’re just going to end up invading the hospital in your town because we don’t have on here,” said Brian Parnell.

Parnell, who lives in Idyllwild, says that despite the stay at home order, the town has seen a steady flow of day-trippers. “It makes people feel less safe having strangers wandering through town now. They don’t see dollar signs anymore they just see the virus,” said Parnell. 

The town usually depends on those tourism dollars. The owners of one popular spot, Idyllwild’s Brewpub, say they’ve lost about 90% of their business. “Like everyone else, we’re open to-go,” said Frank & Lori Ferro, co-owners of Idyllwild’s Brewpub. 

They say the last few weekends have brought in several visitors from down the mountain. “Some wear masks and some don’t. And that’s a little worrisome if they go in the market or places where we frequent,” added Lori. 

All short-term lodging in Idyllwild has been banned through June 19th. Residents are urged to use the county’s anonymous tip line to report violations: 951-351-6866.