Update #12
COVID-19 Threats
March 25, 2020 - 4 pm
Bear Valley Community Hospital Working Hard for the Big Bear Lake Community

Assume the Virus is Everywhere, and Act Responsibly

SR 330 Road Work Underway, City Hopeful for Good Progress During COVID-19 Emergency
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.
THIS IS THE OFFICIAL GUIDANCE FROM THE CITY OF BIG BEAR LAKE
The City of Big Bear Lake is working hard to ensure that the residents, property owners, investors, businesses, and visitors in our community have the correct information about the status of COVID-19 threats in Big Bear Lake and the City's response to these threats. This email newsletter is the official guidance from the City of Big Bear Lake, and the City appreciates everyone's adherence to the restrictions and recommendations outlined herein.
 
To be sure you are receiving the latest and most accurate information, please sign up for this email newsletter at https://www.citybigbearlake.com/index.php/newsroom/text-email-notifications . PLEASE share this email newsletter with anyone and everyone, as we want to reach as many people as possible with this information. Thank you!
BEAR VALLEY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL WORKING HARD FOR THE BIG BEAR LAKE COMMUNITY
Bear Valley Community Hospital is committed to providing quality healthcare services to our community during the COVID-19 emergency, and is working hard for the Big Bear Lake community !

The safety of patients, visitors, employees, and physicians remains their highest priority, and they have been working to prepare our hospital and clinics for caring for those who need help during this time. 

These are some of the things that Bear Valley Community Hospital has accomplished thus far:

  • developed a screening process for each of the entrances to the hospital and outpatient clinics,

  • created an outdoor screening and triage process for Emergency Department patients,

  • acquired additional ventilators,

  • assembled emergency respiratory kits,

  • increased staffing in the Respiratory Therapy department,

  • created additional isolation and negative pressure patient rooms,

  • hired additional Registered Nurses and EMTs in the Emergency Department,

  • developed a plan for expanded capacity in the Emergency Department,

  • re-arranged services to keep outpatient lab draws and EKG away from the patient care areas in the hospital, and

  • gathered supplies for patient care and Personal Protective Equipment for hospital staff.

The hospital notes that the will be some differences in the care that you receive when you come to the hospital or the clinic.  Here are some things that you can expect:

  • you will be screened and asked to wash your hands before entering the hospital,

  • you may be treated from your car,

  • your appointment may be rescheduled as a telemedicine or phone appointment,

  • clinics are not seeing walk-in patients, but same day appointments may be available,

  • visitors are not allowed in patient care areas, and

  • if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, hospital staff will be wearing PPE when they care for you; this may include things like a mask or hood, gown, protective suit, gloves, goggles and/or face shield.

Bear Valley Community Hospital advises that patients who are concerned that they have symptoms of COVID-19 should contact their primary care provider by telephone to discuss their symptoms. They note that most people infected with COVID-19 have mild cold symptoms, however, a small fraction of people may require more intensive care. Patients who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and experiencing increased shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing should come to the Emergency Department.   If time allows, the patient should notify the hospital ahead of time so that they can prepare for your arrival.

At this time, Bear Valley Community Hospital has a limited supply of COVID-19 tests, and these tests are being allocated to patients who are critically ill and meet guidelines set by public health officials. If you are tested for COVID-19 and are in stable condition you will be discharged home with instructions on self-quarantine and isolation.  If you require hospitalization, the hospital is prepared to stabilize you in the ED and either admit you here or transfer you to another hospital if you need specialized services that are not available on the mountain.

To contact Bear Valley Community Hospital, please call (909) 866-6501.
Bear Valley Community Hospital staff continue to work hard to do everything they can to be prepared to assist our community, and we are fortunate to have their dedicated service ! Fortunately, there is still only one known case Big Bear Lake (Mayor Herrick), however, Bear Valley Community Hospital stands ready to assist others in need.  
ASSUME THE VIRUS IS EVERYWHERE, AND ACT RESPONSIBLY!
Due to testing delays, new cases of COVID-19 are being confirmed every day in California, and public health officials have advised that everyone should assume that anyone (even those without obvious symptoms) could have COVID-19 and unintentionally affect others.

Please do your part to limit community transmission of COVID-19 and keep yourself, your family, and your neighbors safe. PLEASE act responsibly:

  • heed the Governor's order to "shelter in place",

  • limit your interactions with others to the maximum extent practical, and don't invite large groups to shelter in place with you,

  • plan your essential trips out accordingly, and limit the number of trips to the grocery store, drug store, etc.,

  • keep at least 6 feet of distance between you and others you come into contact with,

  • wash your hands ALL THE TIME, and

  • if you need to get outside, take a walk, go for a run, take a bike ride, or go on a hike by yourself or with your family - but stay far way from others!

It's in everyone's best interest to adhere to these recommendations so we can resolve this crisis sooner rather than later!
SR 330 WORK UNDERWAY, CITY HOPEFUL FOR GOOD PROGRESS DURING COVID-19 EMERGENCY
Caltrans has begun work on an important bridge rail replacement project on State Route (SR) 330 at the West Fork City Creek Bridge. One lane will be closed, and a solar traffic signal will regulate traffic through the construction zone over the next several months. Motorists are reminded that alternate routes are available on SR 18 through Crestline and Rimforest, and also on SR 38 through Mentone and Angelus Oaks. Although these routes are slightly longer, the actual travel time will likely be similar or shorter than SR 330 during construction.

City officials and other community leaders are working with Caltrans to mitigate the traffic impacts associated with this project, and remain hopeful that significant progress will occur during the COVID-19 emergency . Once the COVID-19 emergency has ended, it will be important to promote efficient traffic flow to and from Big Bear Lake to restore the local tourism economy, and City officials will be working toward that end .  
BE AWARE OF COVID-19 CYBER SCAMS!
LOCAL GROCERY STORES, RESTAURANTS, PHARMACIES ALL
WORKING HARD TO SERVE YOU!
Local grocery stores, restaurants, and pharmacies are all working hard to provide food, drugs, and other essential items for the people of Big Bear Lake and the entire valley during the COVID-19 emergency, and they are happy to serve you!

Von's is open to the general public from 9 am - 9 pm each day, and offers "Golden Hours" for senior citizens, pregnant women, and those with disabilities each Monday - Friday from 7 am to 9 am in order to provide a safer shopping environment. Stater Brothers is open daily from 8 am - 9 pm, with early entry for senior citizens at 7:45 am each day. Both stores have limits on the purchase of certain items.

CVS is open from 9 am – 9 pm daily. Walgreens is also open from 9 am - 9 pm daily, with a special 8 am opening for senior citizens on Tuesdays. Both stores have limits on the purchase of certain items.

There are many great restaurants in Big Bear Lake, and these restaurants are all offering take-out and/or delivery options:

Amangela’s Sandwich & Bagel House
 (909) 878-0015 - 40729 Village Drive

Alpine Country Coffee Shop
(909) 866-1959 - 41546 Big Bear Blvd.

Grind & Grill Café
(909)866-5219 – 42011 Big Bear Blvd.

The Old German Deli
(909) 878-0515 -40645 Village Drive

Mountain Munchies
(909) 866-7767 – 42171 Big Bear Blvd.

Dank Donuts
(909) 547-6053 - 42612 Moonridge Rd.

Teddy Bear Restaurant
(909) 866-5415 - 583 Pine Knot Ave.

Big Bear Brewing Company
(909) 878-0283 - 40827 Stone Rd

The Boneyard Bar & Grill
(909) 878-0401 – 560 Pine Knot Ave.

Domino’s Pizza
(909) 866-3555 – 41234 Big Bear Blvd.

Nuevo Vallarta Grille
(909) 866-7355 – 40949 Big Bear Blvd.

Get the Burger
(909) 866-8800 – 42151 Big Bear Blvd.

Murray’s Saloon & Eatery
(909) 866-1444 – 672 Cottage Lane

Village Pizza
(909) 866-8505 – 40568 Village Dr.

Maggio’s Pizza
(909) 866-8815 – 42160 Big Bear Blvd.

Red Baron Pizza
(909) 866-4744 - 42173 Big Bear Blvd.

Azteca Grill
(909) 866-2350 - 40199 Big Bear Blvd.

Fuji Restaurant
(909) 866-8108 - 41025 Big Bear Blvd.

Denny’s
(909) 866-7842 – 41196 Big Bear Blvd.

Royal Thai
(909) 866-2808 – 40766 Village Dr.

Saucy Mama’s Pizza & Pasta
(909) 878-0165 – 618 Pine Knot Ave.

Chuang Dynasty
(909) 866-7887 – 40989 Big Bear Blvd.

Jersey Mike’s
(909) 866-0447 – 42173 Big Bear Blvd.

BLT’s Restaurant
(909) 866-6659 – 41799 Big Bear Blvd.

Santana & Maverick’s Unique Crafted Foods
(909) 878-0047 - 40771 Big Bear Blvd.

Café Crepe
(909) 809-2353 – 41003 Big Bear Blvd.

Sonora Cantina
(909) 866-8202 – 41144 Big Bear Blvd.

Sizzler
(909) 866-1055 – 42137 Big Bear Blvd.

Gaby’s Latin Flavors
(909) 878-0744 – 41618 Big Bear Blvd.

Tropicali
(909) 878-0499 – 40616 Village Dr.

McDonald’s
(909) 693-5233 - 41412 Big Bear Blvd.

Jack in the Box
(909) 866-6436 – 40771 Village Dr.

El Pollo Loco
(909) 866-1019 – 41383 Big Bear Blvd.

Taco Bell
(909) 866-7778 - 41170 Big Bear Blvd.

If you're tired of cooking, or miss your favorite spot in Big Bear Lake, please order take-out or have it delivered to your home. Please practice effective social distancing when you pick up your food, and wash your hands before and after you visit the restaurant!

If you own a local restaurant, and the City has accidentally not included you on this list, please reply to this email and let us know you are open. We are happy to add your restaurant to the list.
CITY WORKING WITH AIRBnB ON VACATION RENTAL ISSUES,
LODGING FACILITIES AND VACATION RENTALS MAY NOT OPERATE
In response to the Governor's "shelter in place" order, and after receiving additional clarification, the City of Big Bear Lake and San Bernardino County (which has authority over all other areas in Big Bear Valley not in the City limits) have both enacted restrictions on lodging facilities and vacation rentals.

Lodging facilities and vacation rentals may only operate under the following circumstances:

  • to provide accommodations for critical infrastructure workers,

  • if specifically designated by the State or County to house confirmed COVID-19 patients (currently not the case and highly unlikely in the future), and

  • to serve existing guests who were already here prior to March 23, provided the existing guests "shelter in place" at the lodging facility or vacation rental.

The City has received excellent cooperation from local lodging facilities and local vacation rental management companies, who are concerned about the health of our community and who have acted prudently and ceased operations. The City is currently working directly with AirBnB and self-managed vacation rental owners to enforce these restrictions.  
 
To report a violation of this order, please call (909) 866-CODE.

It is important to note that the second home owners, including those who also participate in the City's vacation rental program, are permitted to occupy the home themselves and are not subject to the City's vacation rental regulations.
FLEXIBLE RESCHEDULING OPTIONS AND CREDITS AVAILABLE FOR VISITORS
The City of Big Bear Lake and Visit Big Bear encourage all of our visitors to be safe and "shelter in place" in your home community.

Big Bear Lake lodging establishments and vacation rental companies understand the significance of this crisis, and are offering flexible rescheduling options, credits, and more to make your future visit to Big Bear Lake as enjoyable as possible. Please contact your lodging provider or vacation rental company to reschedule your visit.

We'll be back stronger than ever after the COVID-19 emergency has been resolved, and we look forward to hosting you as soon as it's safe for you, your family, and our community!
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY PROPERTY TAX COLLECTOR ANNOUNCES PENALTY RELIEF FOR QUALIFIED PROPERTY TAXPAYERS
Local property taxes are due on April 10, and all property taxpayers are encouraged to remit property taxes by this deadline. Due to hardships resulting from the COVID-19 emergency, the San Bernardino County Tax Collector has announced that late payment penalties will be waived for qualifying residential and business properties if property taxes are paid before June 30. To learn if you qualify, and other details, please call the San Bernardino Tax Collector's office at (909) 387-8308.  
MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT ANNOUNCES RAMP OPENING DATE,
FISHING PERMITTED FROM SHORE WITH EFFECTIVE SOCIAL DISTANCING
Consistent spring weather is just about here, and the Municipal Water District has announced that the eastern ramp on Big Bear Lake will open for boaters on April 7, unless public health restrictions dictate otherwise. Fishing from shore is currently allowed around Big Bear Lake, however, effective social distancing is required.
CITY AND OTHER AGENCIES CONTINUE TO PROVIDE ESSENTIAL SERVICES
In response to Governor Newsom's "shelter in place" order and the confirmation of the first case of COVID-19 in Big Bear Lake, the City has adjusted its operations to essential services and essential personnel only. City staff will continue to maintain critical infrastructure and perform essential services, however, other services will be temporarily suspended.

The City will continue to provide the following essential services while the COVID-19 threats persist:

  • COVID-19 emergency response,

  • COVID-19 public communications,

  • law enforcement (through SB County Sheriff's Department),

  • code enforcement,

  • fire suppression and emergency medical services (through the Big Bear Fire Department),

  • snow removal,

  • public water supply (through the DWP),

  • wastewater collection,

  • solid waste collection (through Big Bear Disposal),

  • City buildings and facilities maintenance,

  • building inspections, and

  • critical street maintenance.

City Hall remains open for essential services and essential personnel, and essential City staff are available for telephone - (909) 866-5832 - and email inquiries.

The City will resume normal operations after the COVID-19 threat has passed.
KEY RESTRICTIONS REMAIN IN EFFECT IN BIG BEAR LAKE
The following key restrictions remain in effect in Big Bear Lake:
 
  • everyone in Big Bear Lake is directed to "shelter in place", especially those age 65 and older and those who are especially vulnerable to COVID-19, however, travel is permitted for work and to conduct personal business,
 
  • grocery stores, drug stores, and other essential retail and service businesses may operate,
 
  • construction and repair activities may continue,
 
  • bars, nightclubs, movie theaters, gyms, bowling alleys, ski areas, snow play areas, and other similar businesses may not operate,
 
  • restaurants are closed for in-restaurant seated dining, however, take-out and delivery services are permitted,
 
  • lodging and vacation rentals may no longer operate, except for situations described above,
 
  • non-essential group gatherings of any size are prohibited, including commercial establishments, churches, community groups, and other formal and informal group activities, and
 
  • isolated, outdoor exercise is permitted, including walking your dog.
MOUNTAIN TRANSIT ADJUSTS SERVICE SCHEDULE, SUSPENDS FARES
Mountain Transit has adjusted service due to COVID-19, but continues to offer limited fixed-route and dial-a-ride service to ensure that transportation is available to those with essential needs during this crisis. All fares have been suspended. For more information, please visit http://mountaintransit.org/ or call (909) 878-5200.
PLEASE DON'T FLUSH DISINFECTING WIPES, PAPER TOWELS, OR FLUSHABLE WIPES DOWN THE TOILET - THROW THEM AWAY INSTEAD
The Big Bear Area Regional Wastewater Agency (BBARWA) encourages everyone to clean surfaces with disinfecting wipes to reduce the spread of COVID-19, however, it is important to discard those items in a sealed trash bag and not the toilet.  

Flushing disinfecting wipes, flushable wipes, paper towels, and similar products down toilets will clog sewer mainlines and cause backups and overflows at our treatment plant, creating an additional public health risk in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though the package says “flushable”, flushable wipes clog pipes and interfere with sewage collection. Wipes and paper towels do not break down like toilet paper. Please throw these items in a sealed trash bag instead! 
PLEASE SEAL TRASH BAGS APPROPRIATELY
The presence of COVID-19 has raised concerns about the proper disposal of materials that may be exposed to the virus. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends routine procedures for managing solid waste potentially exposed to COVID-19, and the City urges everyone to follow these recommendations. 
 
Cleaning and disinfecting activities in homes, businesses, and other non-healthcare locations (such as hotels, schools, and other facilities) will generate solid waste, including used facemasks, gloves, disposable wipes, paper towels, disposal clothing, and similar materials potentially exposed to the virus. 
As a general rule, treat personal protective equipment, cleaning and disinfection waste, and other materials that may have been exposed to the virus as general solid waste. This material, however, should be sealed in a trash bag, tied shut, and placed with regular trash. These materials will be collected by City's franchisee, Big Bear Disposal, and transferred to transfer stations or directly trucked for disposal. The sealed trash bags will ultimately be disposed of in landfills that are permitted to accept municipal solid waste.
 
Please help us keep our solid waste collection employees safe!
ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES
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 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.
ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR DISPLACED EMPLOYEES
Local employees displaced due to the impact of COVID-19 may be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits, disability insurance, and/or paid family leave through the California Employment Development Department. To learn more, please visit https://www.edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/faqs.htm .
HELPFUL RESOURCES
The Centers for Disease Control website includes a wealth of information at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html .
 
The San Bernardino County Department of Public Health includes information specific to our county at http://wp.sbcounty.gov/dph/coronavirus/ .
Stay Informed!
Sign up for City of BBL Updates,
Visit Our Other Digital Platforms
The City of Big Bear Lake strives to keep our residents, property owners, investors, businesses, and visitors well-informed about the City's issues and initiatives - including the COVID-19 threat - with an emphasis on information specific to Big Bear Lake and the entire Big Bear Valley.
 
The easiest way to stay-informed is to sign up for the City's email newsletter and other updates. It's easy to sign up - simply visit https://www.citybigbearlake.com/ and click on "Text & Email Notifications" in the top center of the homepage. Simply click on the link, enter your name and email address, and you're all set. Signing up will ensure that you receive periodic updates about COVID-19 in Big Bear Lake, the City's new monthly newsletter - Elevation 6752', and other special communications from the City of Big Bear Lake for emergency situations, special events, and more.
 
In addition to the City's email updates, you can also get the latest information from the City of Big Bear Lake via the following digital platforms:
 

  • "Like" us on Facebook - City of Big Bear Lake
 
  • Follow us on Twitter - @CityofBBL
 
  • Follow us on Instagram - @citybigbearlake
 
 
Please help us spread the word, and share the City's digital communications platforms with your family, friends, other residents, property owners, frequent visitors, or anyone else who is interested in Big Bear Lake. Thank you!
City of Big Bear Lake
39707 Big Bear Blvd. PO Box 10000, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Phone: (909) 866-5831 | Fax: (909) 866-5491