City officials continue to closely monitor developments associated with COVID-19 (coronavirus), and continue efforts to prepare for an escalation of the COVID-19 threat in Big Bear Lake. City officials remain in regular communications with San Bernardino County public health officials and local health care providers, and rely exclusively on their expertise and guidance relative to the public health risks and recommendations applicable to Big Bear Lake.
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS ORDER ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS
County officials announced additional restrictions aimed at deterring the spread of COVID-19 today, and
these restrictions apply within the City of Big Bear Lake:
- Non-essential group gatherings of any size are prohibited. This restriction includes commercial establishments, churches, community groups, and other formal and informal group activities. It does not apply to work activities or shopping activities.
- Bars, nightclubs, movie theaters, gyms, bowling alleys, and other similar businesses may not operate.
- Restaurants should follow State guidelines, and only operate for take-out and delivery customers.
- Individuals age 65 and older and those with special vulnerability to COVID-19 are encouraged to remain at home.
NO RESTRICTIONS ON MOVEMENT IN BIG BEAR LAKE, BUT PLEASE LIMIT INTERACTIONS TO EXTENT PRACTICAL
There are currently no restrictions on movement into, out of, or within the City of Big Bear Lake, however, everyone is encouraged to limit their interactions with others to the extent practical.
Work activities, shopping, and necessary business interactions may continue, but please exercise appropriate social distancing and personal hygiene habits. Personal and family outdoor activities (walking, hiking, biking, running, etc.) are not restricted, but larger group activities are not permitted.
The City continues to consult with public health officials, and will consider appropriate restrictions on movement in the future if the threat increases and circumstances warrant.
It is important to note that the City of Big Bear Lake only has jurisdictional authority over the residents and property owners within the City limits, and has no jurisdiction over Big Bear City and unincorporated areas of Big Bear Valley. Any Valley-wide decisions to restrict movement will need to be carefully coordinated among State, City, and County officials and Big Bear City officials, and will be based on the recommendations of San Bernardino County public health officials.
THIRD CASE CONFIRMED IN SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY;
FORTUNATELY STILL NO CASES IN BIG BEAR LAKE
San Bernardino County public health officials confirmed the County's second and third cases of COVID-19 on Monday evening and Tuesday afternoon. All three individuals have been quarantined and treated appropriately.
As of this afternoon (March 17), there are still no confirmed cases in Big Bear Lake, and City officials continue to monitor, plan, and prepare for that potential.
GROCERY STORES WORKING HARD TO MEET COMMUNITY NEEDS; PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR NEIGHBORS AND DON'T HOARD ITEMS
Local grocery stores are working hard to keep food and supplies in stock and promote a safe shopping environment.
There are sufficient supplies for everyone IF we all purchase only what we need. Please consider your neighbors, and exercise restraint. Overall supply chains are strong, and can meet the needs of everyone if normal consumption patterns occur.
The Stater Brothers grocery has announced that it will open 15 minutes early, at 7:45 am, specifically to provide a safer and more convenient environment for senior citizens.
CITY FORMALLY DECLARES LOCAL EMERGENCY
City officials have been heavily engaged in emergency planning efforts for the COVID-19 threat for the past several weeks, and continue planning and coordination with various State, County, and other local agencies. Earlier today, City Manager Frank Rush formally declared a local emergency in the City of Big Bear Lake, and this formal declaration provides additional City authority to address the COVID-19 emergency if warranted in the future, and also establishes the City's eligibility for Federal and State financial assistance.
CITY MEETINGS CANCELLED
All meetings of the City Council and Planning Commission are cancelled until further notice.
CITY HALL REMAINS OPEN, BUT APPOINTMENTS REQUIRED TO CONDUCT CITY BUSINESS
City Hall remains open, and City officials continue to explore opportunities to continue high quality service while allowing some City employees to work from home.
In an effort to promote both your safety and our employees' safety, individuals who need to conduct business with the City should first call or email the appropriate City staff to make an appointment. Efforts will be made to provide service over the telephone or electronically, and if face-to-face contact is required then the appropriate City staff member will schedule an immediate appointment at City Hall. To contact City staff, please call 909-866-5831 or email the appropriate City staff member indicated at
https://www.citybigbearlake.com/ .
ALL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER EVENTS POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
The City has postponed all events scheduled at the Performing Arts Center until further notice. Questions regarding specific performances should be directed to event organizers.
BIG BEAR MOUNTAIN RESORTS (BBMR) CLOSED INDEFINITELY
In an effort to promote the safety of visitors, staff, and the local community, Big Bear Mountain Resorts has suspended operations and will remain closed indefinitely. Snow Summit and Bear Mountain will reopen when deemed safe for all parties.
BEAR VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT CLOSED UNTIL APRIL 13
In an effort to promote the safety of students and faculty, and following decisions by other regional school systems, Bear Valley Unified School District announced that schools will be closed from March 16 - 26, in addition to previously scheduled off-days for spring break from March 27 - April 10. In total, BVUSD students will miss a total of 9 school days as a result of this decision, with the hope that conditions will enable students to resume classes on April 13.
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANCE NOW AVAILABLE
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to California small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at
https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela
. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email
disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
for more information on SBA disaster assistance.
DO YOUR PART!
All of us have a personal responsibility to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Heed the advice of public health officials, and:
- wash your hands frequently,
- avoid touching your face,
- sneeze or cough into your elbow,
- disinfect your surroundings,
- practice social distancing,
- don't go to work or congregate with others if you are feeling ill, and
- if you have symptoms, call your medical provider before you visit!
HELPFUL RESOURCES
