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.
FIRST CASE CONFIRMED IN SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY;
FORTUNATELY STILL NO CASES IN BIG BEAR LAKE
San Bernardino County public health officials confirmed the County's first case of COVID-19 on Sunday, March 15. The patient, a 53-year old woman, was diagnosed at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Fontana. As of this afternoon (March 16), there are still no confirmed cases in Big Bear Lake, and City officials continue to monitor, plan, and prepare for that potential.
NO RESTRICTIONS ON BUSINESSES OR MOVEMENT IN CITY OF BIG BEAR LAKE AT THIS TIME; CITY ENCOURAGES ADHERENCE TO FEDERAL AND STATE RECOMMENDATIONS
Because there are currently no cases of COVID-19 in Big Bear Lake,
the City has not mandated any closures of particular businesses nor has limited movement into, out of, or within the City at this time. The City continues to closely monitor COVID-19 issues, and will adjust accordingly as the situation evolves and the specific threat and circumstances warrant.
The Trump Administration and the Newsom Administration have issued new recommendations, and the City of Big Bear Lake encourages our residents, businesses, and visitors to consider these recommendations. Specific recommendations include the following:
- individuals age 65 and older and those with special vulnerability to COVID-19 are encouraged to remain at home,
- gatherings of more than 10 people are discouraged, and appropriate social distancing should occur,
- restaurants should consider reducing occupancy and implementing other measures such as "to go" service only,
- individuals should consider staying at home whenever possible, and should exercise appropriate personal hygiene and social distancing when out in the community.
POTENTIAL FUTURE ACTIONS CONSIDERED AS SITUATION EVOLVES
The City continues to work with public health officials and other regional and local officials to determine additional future actions to promote public safety in our community.
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 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.
Future decisions by the City regarding the closure of particular businesses, restricting the movement of individuals into, out of, or within the City, and/or other significant restrictions will be considered in the future as the specific threat and circumstances warrant.
PLEASE REMAIN CALM, AND PLAN ACCORDINGLY FOR YOUR SITUATION
Understandably, there is a great deal of angst and uncertainty in the community regarding COVID-19. City officials and other Federal, State, and local agencies are all working extremely hard to promote public safety and resolve the current crisis as soon as possible.
Please remain calm, plan accordingly for your particular individual and family situation, and consider the needs of others during this crisis. We will get through this crisis and return to normalcy in due time, it's just going to take patience, understanding, discipline, and cooperation!
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 are currently exploring 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,
- don't shake hands,
- use hand sanitizer,
- 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
