Update
#88
COVID-19 Emergency
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34 Confirmed Cases in Big Bear Valley Since June 1
Hospitalizations in San Bernardino County Relatively Constant Over Past Week
Trial Closure of Pine Knot Avenue This Weekend to Promote Physical Distancing, Provide More Options for Outdoor Dining and Retail
Village Drive Will Remain Open This Weekend, But On-Street Parking Areas Closed to Provide More Options for Outdoor Dining and Retail
City Has Plenty of Free Parking Available in Village Parking Lots!
San Bernardino County Working to Augment Testing
Hair Salons, Nail Salons, Other Personal Services Now Permitted to Operate Outdoors
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THIS IS THE OFFICIAL COVID-19 GUIDANCE FROM THE CITY OF BIG BEAR LAKE
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The City of Big Bear Lake is working hard to ensure that the residents, second home owners, investors, businesses, and visitors in our community have the correct information about the status of COVID-19 in Big Bear Lake and the City's response to the COVID-19 event.
This email newsletter is the official guidance from the City of Big Bear Lake, and the City appreciates everyone's adherence to the guidance outlined herein. This email newsletter also serves as the City's official press release regarding the City's COVID-19 response, and press inquiries may be directed to City Manager Frank Rush at 909-866-5832 or via
email.
The City issues these COVID-19 updates periodically as significant or new information emerges. To be sure you are receiving the latest and most accurate information, please sign up for this email newsletter by clicking
here
. PLEASE share this email newsletter with anyone and everyone, as we want to reach as many people as possible with this information. Thank you!
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34 CONFIRMED CASES IN BIG BEAR VALLEY SINCE JUNE 1
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San Bernardino County is now reporting a total of
34
confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Big Bear Valley since June 1, and this figure represents the estimated maximum number of "active" cases at this time. It is believed, however, that some of these individuals have recovered by now, thus the actual number of "active" cases may be somewhat lower.
There were a total of 9 confirmed cases reported in the Big Bear Valley between mid-March and June 1, thus the cumulative total in the Big Bear Valley is now 43 confirmed cases. Since reporting began in mid-March, there have been 23 confirmed cases in the City of Big Bear Lake, 15 in Big Bear City, 5 in Sugarloaf, and 0 in Fawnskin. Thankfully,
there have been no deaths attributed to COVID-19 in the Big Bear Valley.
Although the number of cases has increased in the Big Bear Valley in recent weeks, we remain fortunate to continue to experience a relatively low incidence of COVID-19 in our community.
It is interesting to note that with an estimated 34 "active" cases, approximately 1 out of every 647 residents of the Big Bear Valley is believed to be currently infected with COVID-19.
The County now reports a cumulative total of
25,067 confirmed cases in all of San Bernardino County. A total of
212,094 tests have been administered thus far in the County, with
11.8% testing positive for COVID-19. Sadly, a total of
333 people have now died from COVID-19 in San Bernardino County.
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HOSPITALIZATIONS IN SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY RELATIVELY CONSTANT OVER PAST WEEK
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Because any COVID-19 patients from the Big Bear Valley would likely be treated by other, larger hospitals in San Bernardino County, City officials continue to closely monitor hospitalization and ventilator data in the entire County.
According to the latest County data, there are currently
676 confirmed and suspected COVID-19 patients hospitalized in San Bernardino County. This number has increased from 217 patients on June 1, and 516 patients on July 1.
Over the past week, the number of confirmed and suspected COVID-19 patients hospitalized in San Bernardino County has been relatively constant, and has been in the 656 - 699 range each day.
According to the latest County data, there are now a total of
195 COVID-19 patients in intensive care, and
this number has also been relatively constant over the past week - ranging from 181 - 200 ICU patients each day. It is important to note that there now a total
178 intensive care beds still available in San Bernardino County. This number has also been relatively constant over the past week, ranging from 143 - 178 ICU beds available each day.
Ventilators remain readily available in San Bernardino County, with a total of
461 currently available. San Bernardino County reports that many hospitals are now utilizing alternative devices, including CPAP and BiPAP devices, to treat COVID-19 patients, and that these devices have been effective in avoiding ventilator use.
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TRIAL CLOSURE OF PINE KNOT AVENUE THIS WEEKEND TO PROMOTE PHYSICAL DISTANCING, PROVIDE MORE OPTIONS FOR OUTDOOR DINING AND RETAIL
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In an effort to promote greater physical distancing and also to provide more options for outdoor dining and retail, the City will close Pine Knot Avenue to vehicular traffic this coming weekend, July 25 - 26.
Pine Knot Avenue will be closed from 7 am on Saturday through 10 pm on Sunday, and the entire street will become a pedestrian plaza for this entire time period.
Restaurants on Pine Knot Avenue will be permitted to set up tables for outdoor dining on the public sidewalk directly in front of the restaurant, and also in the parallel parking spaces directly in front of the restaurant.
Restaurants may set up tables for wait service, or may simply set up tables for take-out customers to utilize after picking up their food at the restaurant. No permit is required, however, all restaurants must maintain 6 ft. of separation between tables, maintain a safe and clean environment, maintain adequate aisle widths, and must comply with applicable California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) requirements. The State has established a special COVID-19 permit for the serving of alcohol in outdoor spaces, and a copy of the permit application is available
here . If a restaurant secures this special COVID-19 permit from the State, restaurant customers on public sidewalks and public parking spaces may be served alcoholic beverages. If not, restaurant customers on public sidewalks and public parking spaces are limited to non-alcoholic beverages only, and restaurants should seat their customers accordingly.
Retail establishments on Pine Knot Avenue will also be permitted to display merchandise on the public sidewalks and parallel public parking spaces directly in front of their establishment, and must simply maintain a safe and clean environment, and maintain adequate aisle widths.
No permit is required.
A summary of the Pine Knot Avenue closure and guidelines for outdoor dining and retail displays is located
here , and a map of the closure area is located
here . Restaurants and retail establishments may
email any questions about setting up on the public sidewalks and public parking spaces, or call City Hall at 909-866-5832 for assistance.
The planned closure is a TRIAL for this coming weekend, and any future closures will be determined by the City Council at a later date.
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VILLAGE DRIVE WILL REMAIN OPEN THIS WEEKEND, BUT ON-STREET PARKING AREAS CLOSED TO PROVIDE MORE OPTIONS FOR OUTDOOR DINING AND RETAIL
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The City is implementing a nearly identical program for outdoor dining and retail displays on Village Drive this weekend, however, Village Drive will remain open for vehicle travel all weekend. In this area,
all on-street parking spaces along Village Drive will be closed and made available for outdoor dining and retail displays this weekend, along with an area in the Indian Village parking lot. Public sidewalks will remain open for pedestrians on Village Drive, and may not be utilized for outdoor dining or retail displays.
No permit is required, and a summary of the requirements for restaurants and retail establishments to set up in the Village Drive public parking spaces is located
here . A map of the closure area is located
here . Restaurants and retail establishments may
email any questions about setting up in the public parking spaces on Village Drive or in the Indian Village parking lot, or call City Hall at 909-866-5832 for assistance.
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CITY HAS PLENTY OF FREE PARKING AVAILABLE IN VILLAGE PARKING LOTS!
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Due to the trial closure of Pine Knot Avenue and the public parking spaces on Village Drive this weekend,
there will be no on-street parking available along The Village "L". Residents and visitors are encouraged to park in any of City's
more than 700 free public parking spaces in public parking lots around The Village.
There are a total of:
- 89 parking spaces in the Indian Village parking lot between Village Drive and Cameron Drive, right behind Oakside Restaurant,
- 282 parking spaces in the Bartlett Road parking lot, directly behind the west side of Pine Knot Avenue with a quick cut-through behind the movie theater,
- 159 parking spaces in the Knickerbocker Road parking lot, directly behind the east side of Pine Knot Avenue, with a quick cut-through behind the Copper Q,
- 100 parking spaces in the Pennsylvania Avenue parking lot, located one block east of the intersection of Pine Knot Avenue and Village Drive,
- 49 parking spaces at Veterans Park, located along the lakefront one block east of Pine Knot Avenue, and
- 30 parking spaces in the Alden Road parking lot located a few blocks east of The Village.
City signs will be deployed this weekend directing the public to these free public parking lots.
It's actually quicker to just park in one of these lots and walk to Pine Knot Avenue and Village Drive than it is to circle around looking for an on-street parking spot!
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SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY WORKING TO AUGMENT TESTING
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San Bernardino County continues to test an average of more than 3,000 people each day for COVID-19, and is working hard to augment testing capabilities throughout the County. Additional County testing capacity is expected to come online before the end of July, and should make it easier and quicker to be tested. To make an appointment at a free County test site, please click
here .
If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, please stay away from others until you can get tested - either at a free County site or by contacting your private medical provider, who may have the ability to secure a test sooner than what is available through San Bernardino County.
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HAIR SALONS, NAIL SALONS, OTHER PERSONAL SERVICES NOW PERMITTED TO OPERATE OUTDOORS
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After some initial confusion last week, Governor Newsom has announced that
hair salons, barber shops, nail salons, and certain other personal services (esthetic, skin care, cosmetology, and massage therapy) may now operate outdoors ONLY. Electrology, tattoo services, and piercing services are still prohibited from operating indoors or outdoors.
In Big Bear Lake, these businesses may set up outdoors in compliance with State requirements outlined
here .
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PLEASE EXERCISE PHYSICAL DISTANCING, WEAR FACE COVERINGS, AND WASH YOUR HANDS!
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Please do your part! Other than closing additional business sectors and/or activities or the entire community, the only tools available to contain COVID-19 are these three measures:
- maintain at least 6 feet of physical distance between you and other groups at all times,
- wear a face covering when interacting with others, especially indoors at businesses and in close proximity to others while outdoors, and
- practice good hygiene - wash your hands frequently and/or use hand sanitizer!
We need your help to do everything you can to keep our community SAFE and OPEN! Somehow, we've all got to get past the COVID-19 threat, and it's
not too much to ask for EVERYONE to implement these three common-senses measures!
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PLEASE STAY HOME IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS, SEE YOUR DOCTOR, AND GET TESTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
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With the number of COVID-19 cases continuing to rise in Southern California,
it is critical that ANYONE experiencing symptoms or who has been exposed to someone with COVID-19 act responsibly and take appropriate steps to prevent the spread to others
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- If you have symptoms, please stay away from others (self-quarantine), contact your doctor immediately, and make arrangements to be tested as soon as possible. Individuals should generally remain self-quarantined for approximately 14 days after first symptoms appear (consult with your doctor).
- If you have been in close contact (within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes) with someone confirmed with COVID-19 in the 2 days before they developed symptoms or while symptomatic, please self-quarantine and monitor yourself for symptoms for approximately 14 days after close contact. If you develop symptoms, contact your doctor immediately and make arrangements to be tested as soon as possible.
- If you have not been in close contact (within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes) but have been in the general proximity of someone with COVID-19, you should simply monitor yourself for symptoms and act accordingly if you develop symptoms.
There is currently a nationwide shortage of COVID-19 tests due to high demand, and
it may take longer than desired to schedule a testing appointment and/or receive results. Please
first check with your doctor to attempt to arrange a COVID-19 test, or contact
Bear Valley Community Hospital's Family Health Center at 909-878-8246.
San Bernardino County continues to offer COVID-19 testing in various locations in San Bernardino County as supplies are available, and please click
here to learn more and make an appointment.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, people with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus
, and may include:
- shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- new loss of taste or smell
If you have one or more of these symptoms, please act responsibly and take appropriate steps immediately.
It's in your best interest, your family's best interest, and our community's best interest!
The best thing to do, in any circumstance, is to consult with your doctor and follow his / her guidance!
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BIG BEAR LAKE BUSINESSES ENCOURAGED TO APPLY FOR COVID-COMPLIANT GRANT FUNDING
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San Bernardino County's new COVID-Compliant Business Partnership Program
still has significant funding available to award to businesses to assist with the cost of implementing COVID-19 safety measures. Each business is eligible for up to $2,500, and these funds may be used for the purchase of supplies and equipment necessary to keep your customers, employees, and our community safe!
All Big Bear Lake businesses are encouraged to apply, and to become COVID-Compliant! To learn more, and to apply for your $2,500 grant, please click
here.
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GUIDANCE FOR BUSINESSES IF AN EMPLOYEE HAS SYMPTOMS OR TESTS POSITIVE
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San Bernardino County public health officials have prepared a helpful document
to assist businesses if an employee tests positive for COVID-19, and this document can viewed
here.
In short, any employee with COVID-19 symptoms (or symptoms of any illness) should stay home from work and away from everyone, and
businesses should emphasize this message to all employees.
If a business has an
employee that tests positive for COVID-19, the employee should stay home from work and away from everyone.
Upon learning of the positive case, the business is required to thoroughly disinfect all areas where the employee was working, but is not required to close down for any defined period of time.
The COVID-19 positive employee should remain away from work, and the
business should take appropriate steps to notify other employees, should keep any other employees that may have been in close contact (within 6 feet for 15 minutes or more) with the COVID-19 positive employee within 2 days prior to the first symptoms away from work also, and should make sure all employees are
closely monitoring for symptoms.
Most importantly, the business should implement proper distancing among patrons and employees, require face coverings, and promote good hygiene!
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Stay Informed!
Sign up for City of BBL Updates,
Visit Our Other Digital Platforms
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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 event - 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
the City's website
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:
- Visit our website by clicking here
- "Like" us on Facebook - City of Big Bear Lake
- Follow us on Twitter - @CityofBBL
- Follow us on Instagram - @citybigbearlake
- Sign up for text message alerts by clicking here .
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!
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Frank A. Rush, Jr., City Manager
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
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