• "There are no test kits in Big Bear Lake" - Bear Valley Community Hospital has maintained a limited supply of test kits since the COVID-19 emergency escalated nationally in mid-March, and has administered several tests. Due to the limited number of test kits everywhere, the tests are only administered for patients with the most significant COVID-19 symptoms. Given the limited supply of tests, it's simply not in anyone's best interest to administer tests to everyone who may want a test. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, please call your doctor or the hospital to be screened, and if you meet the criteria they will arrange for testing for you.

• "When are we going to get testing in Big Bear Lake?" - As noted above, there are limited numbers of test kits in our community. Hospital, Fire Department, and City officials are working with San Bernardino County public health officials to offer enhanced testing in Big Bear Valley or in the mountain areas as soon as test kits become more readily available.

• "There have to be more cases of COVID-19 here" - The City relies on officially reported data from County public health officials, and this data is updated daily at the County's COVID-19 dashboard. As of March 28, there remains only one officially confirmed positive test in Big Bear Lake - Mayor Rick Herrick, and he is currently recovering at lower elevation. Having said that, there are some delays in reporting by the County due to the time it takes to receive test results, the admittance of patients from Big Bear Lake into hospital facilities off the mountain, and the fact that patients admitted elsewhere may or may not have another serious illness. As of March 28, we have reason to believe that at least one and perhaps two other individuals from Big Bear Valley may be seriously affected by COVID-19, however, the City relies on official data from County public health officials and these cases have not been officially confirmed as of this update. The City will absolutely share information about confirmed additional cases as it becomes known, and is committed to providing honest, factual information to our community. Most importantly, we should all simply ASSUME THAT THE VIRUS IS EVERYWHERE, and act responsibly to limit community transmission.

• "The Bear Valley Community Hospital is full of patients on ventilators" - Bear Valley Community Hospital currently has 0 admitted patients, and in the event of serious patient condition will make arrangements to transfer the patient to a more comprehensive medical facility off the mountain. Both the hospital and Big Bear Fire Department (the local emergency medical services provider) report typical patient and call volumes for this time of year, and are well-equipped to meet this demand. Hospital and Fire Department staff are taking all appropriate precautions, and continue to engage in contingency planning in case the COVID-19 threat escalates in Big Bear Lake and the Big Bear Valley.

• "There are still vacation rentals operating in Big Bear Lake" - The City and the County have made it abundantly clear that lodging facilities and vacation rentals may not operate in Big Bear Lake or in areas outside the City limits (Big Bear City and other unincorporated areas). The City has been in direct communications with representatives of local vacation rental companies, and they are complying with these orders. The City has also been in direct communications with AirBnB management and our self-managed vacation rental owners about these orders, and they are working cooperatively with the City. Finally, City staff are fielding calls through the City's (909) 866-CODE hotline, and are responding to every single concern filed in the City limits. There have been a few evictions, but in the vast majority of cases the individuals using the vacation rental are the actual second home owners. It is important to note that San Bernardino County oversees the vacation rental program for Big Bear City and unincorporated areas of the County, and their vacation rental hotline is 888-399-8591.

• "Do these orders apply in Big Bear City (or other unincorporated areas)?" - In most cases, because the City is implementing the Governor's and the County's orders, the answer is yes, but to be absolutely certain you would need to reach out to officials in Big Bear City or San Bernardino County to confirm. The City is responsible for approximately 6.5 square miles of land area, nearly 10,000 residential housing units, most of the commercial enterprises, and slightly more than 5,000 permanent residents in the City limits. As such, the City's updates are tailored specifically for City residents, second home owners, investors, businesses, and visitors. We are absolutely happy to share City information with anyone who may find it helpful, however, it's important to note that our primary focus is the City of Big Bear Lake.

• "There are 'flatlanders' coming up here from off the mountain and buying up all of our supplies and spreading the virus up here" - As a result of the various restrictions, there are very few visitors in Big Bear Lake and this is not perceived to be a significant issue for our community. Additionally, it's important to note that the City can't legally prevent someone from entering our community unless / until it is necessary to keep everyone in and everyone out of the City limits. We are not at that point yet, and if we evolve to that severe restriction it will need to be specifically recommended or ordered by State and/or County public health officials after consulting with City officials and other local government entities in the Big Bear Valley. The City of Big Bear Lake has the authority to completely close off the 6.5 square miles included in the City limits, however, it does not have authority over Big Bear City and other unincorporated areas in the Big Bear Valley. Finally, it's important to note that many residents of Big Bear Lake and the Big Bear Valley have been traveling off the mountain to purchase food and supplies in other communities.

• "We are running out of food and supplies up here" - Grocery industry officials report that the overall supply chain remains strong, and that there are sufficient supplies to meet normal consumer consumption patterns. Additionally, Von's and Stater Brothers have both enacted limits on the quantity of specific items that can be purchased, and they are working very hard to replenish shelves. There is enough for everyone if we all only purchase what we need - please don't hoard supplies!

• "There are too many people at City parks or on the Alpine Pedal Path" - These outdoor public facilities remain open, and it's important for people to have an outlet to get outside and exercise. People using these facilities should only do so by themselves or with the same family group with whom they are "sheltering in place", and should avoid getting close to other users.

• "We shouldn't allow second home owners to come to Big Bear Lake" - Second home owners are an important segment of the Big Bear Lake community, and enjoy and appreciate Big Bear Lake as much as those of us who are fortunate to live here year-round. Second homeowners pay the same property taxes and other taxes as permanent residents all year long, and also support our local businesses. Importantly, these owners have the same right to use their home as any permanent resident, and as long as they are adhering to the restrictions and recommendations in place in Big Bear Lake they are are permitted to use their home.

• "The lake should not be opened on April 7, as that's too soon" - The lake and the public boat ramps are managed by the Big Bear Municipal Water District (MWD), a separate local government entity governed by it's own Board of Directors, and they have the responsibility to manage the lake as deemed best. The MWD is not an agency of the City of Big Bear Lake, and the City respects their judgment and authority to act within the Governor's and the County's orders regarding COVID-19. The MWD has set a tentative opening date of April 7, which is still 9 days away, and it is likely that the MWD will continue to evaluate this decision and adjust if necessary to promote public safety. The lake itself and the public boat ramps are generally not in the City limits of Big Bear Lake.

• the fact that we are still here, and that if we diligently adhere to the recommendations and restrictions we will get through this,

• that we are fortunate to live in a truly beautiful and exceptional place, and we'll be enjoying it to the fullest as soon as this crisis has passed,

• all of the dedicated health care workers working tirelessly and at their own risk to help others,

• all of the grocery, prescription drug, restaurant, and other essential service workers making sure that our basic needs are met,

• all of our Federal, State, and local elected leaders, and their staffs who are working around the clock to get us through this, and

• the extra time with our families, and the ability to connect with distant family and friends via Skype, FaceTime, video conferencing, and more! This time is what you make of it, so make the most of it!

• 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 very limited situations,

• 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.

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

• limit your interactions with others to the maximum extent practical,

• 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!

• The City Council has taken action to prohibit residential and commercial evictions due to economic hardship caused by COVID-19, and Governor Newsom recently issued a new executive order to also prohibit evictions.

• 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 here. Applicants may also contact SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955.

• 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, click here.

• Numerous California banks and mortgage companies are offering grace periods, relief from late fees and other charges, and limiting foreclosure actions. To learn more, click here.

• The Internal Revenue Service and California Franchise Tax Board have both extended the tax filing and payment deadline to July 15. To learn more, click here for Federal tax information and here for California information.

• 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.

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