A California father is asking tourists to stay away from the region where they live in the northeastern part of the state.
Corley Howard from Tahoe is pleading with local councillors to reconsider their decision to allow tourists into the area after his 10-year-old son, Maeson, became sick with an illness possibly related to COVID-19.
The youngster is currently fighting for his life at UC Davis Children’s Hospital in Sacramento where doctors believe he may have multi-system inflammatory syndrome.
Maeson Howard, 10, from the Tahoe Valley in California is suffering from multi-system inflammatory syndrome which many children have suffered after catching the coronavirus
Meason’s father, Corley, is asking local politicians to reverse their decision to allow tourists back into the area around Lake Tahoe as he believes they are bringing the virus back with them
The condition causes an inflammation of the heart, lungs, brain or digestive system along with fever, vomiting and body pain.
The condition known as MIS-C has been noticed in children who also end up infected with coronavirus.
‘We do not yet know what causes MIS-C. However, many children with MIS-C had the virus that causes COVID-19, or had been around someone with COVID-19,’ the CDC states on its website.
Corley has asked local politicians including the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors and South Lake Tahoe mayor to plead with them to reconsider allowing tourists into the area.
Corley is pictured with his two children including Meason, right, his seven-year-old daughter and wife Sarah
Meason began feeling sick on July 28th and ended up in hospital four days later with body aches, vomiting and a fever
Corley has asked local politicians including the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors and South Lake Tahoe mayor to plead with them to reconsider allowing tourists into the area. Pictured, tourists in the area in July
Howard notes that every single home in the area where he lives has been rented out as vacation property.
‘I get it, we chose to live in a tourist town but the timing is not right,’ Howard told the Daily Tribune. ‘The numbers don’t really show what’s going on. It doesn’t seem like the right time to be putting people on boats and campgrounds. There is too much traffic coming into South Lake Tahoe.
El Dorado County recently recorded more than 700 confirmed cases of coronavirus with almost ten percent of the cases being found in those younger than 17.
Maeson first fell ill on July 28th and has been in hospital since August 1st, although he has now started to show signs of improvement.
After suffering from a collapsed lung, Maeson was able to take two deep breaths during his breathing this weekend and no longer needs the assistance of oxygen
‘After suffering from a collapsed lung, Maeson was able to take two deep breaths during his breathing test today and no longer needs the assistance of oxygen. The tenderness and pain in his stomach, back and neck have decreased to almost zero and he is no longer suffering from adrenaline rushes and body trembling,’ states an update on a GoFundMe page set up to help cover the costs of for Maeson’s health care.
‘Things are starting to look better for this little warrior thanks to his determination to beat this illness, his team of awesome Dr.’s, nurses and all of your goodwill!!’
‘It took me a minute to know exactly what to do. Your mind races,’ said Corley to the Mountain Democrat. ‘We had no idea he was susceptible to this.
‘He is a healthy, happy kid. No one deserves this. This is my plight to bring awareness that no one is safe. Getting more people aware is key.’
Local politicians have expressed their concern over young Meason’s condition although have not stated whether they will stop tourists from coming to the area
Howard has said that although he realizes traffic can’t suddenly be stopped, he hopes that there can be more discussion, actions and enforcement from officials.
‘I want to see our county officials stand up and show some leadership,’ he said. ‘It’s painful to see the complacency. Our community is left suffering.’
El Dorado County District 5 Supervisor Sue Novasel has acknowledged Howard’s letter.
‘My heart goes out to that family,’ Novasel said. ‘In the county, we’re not machines. Many of us have had personal issues with COVID-19 and we understand.’
Similarly, South Lake Tahoe mayor, Jason Collin, also responded: ‘Our hearts go out to Maeson and we are all rooting for him to have a speedy and full recovery.’