Update #96
COVID-19 Emergency
August 18, 2020 - 4 pm
County Reports 13 Current Active Cases in Big Bear Valley

Hospitalizations Continue to Decrease

137 Individuals Tested at Big Bear Testing Event Today

Planning Continues for New Daily Testing Service in Big Bear Lake
THIS IS THE OFFICIAL COVID-19 GUIDANCE FROM THE CITY OF BIG BEAR LAKE
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!
COUNTY REPORTS 13 CURRENT ACTIVE CASES IN BIG BEAR VALLEY
According to the latest data from San Bernardino County, there have now been a cumulative total of 91 confirmed COVID-19 cases since mid-March. Of this total, there have been 46 cases in the City of Big Bear Lake, 34 cases in Big Bear City, and 11 cases in Sugarloaf.

The City is now receiving Big Bear Valley-specific information from San Bernardino County contact tracers. According to the latest report, 78 of these individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and there are currently 13 active cases in the Big Bear Valley. This equates to approximately 1 active case per 1,692 residents of the Big Bear Valley. Thankfully, there have been no deaths attributed to COVID-19 in the Big Bear Valley.

There have been a total of 15 cases reported in the Big Bear Valley over the past two weeks, which equates to a two-week new case rate of 68 per 100,000 population in the Big Bear Valley. This two-week new case rate remains lower than the State of California as a whole, lower than San Bernardino County, and lower than all Southern California counties, thankfully.
HOSPITALIZATIONS CONTINUE TO DECREASE
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 data, there are currently 521 confirmed and suspected COVID-19 patients hospitalized in San Bernardino County. This number has decreased by 29.4% since the peak of 738 patients on July 25. We are hopeful that this number will continue to decrease in the coming weeks.

According to the latest data, there are now a total of 146 COVID-19 patients in intensive care, and this number has decreased by 28.8% since the peak of 205 ICU patients on July 25. There are now a total 138 intensive care beds still available in San Bernardino County.
137 INDIVIDUALS TESTED AT BIG BEAR TESTING EVENT TODAY
San Bernardino County public health officials conducted another COVID-19 testing event at the Big Bear Lake City Hall today. A total of 137 individuals were tested, and test results should be available late this week or early next week.

The City greatly appreciates the County's assistance, and is working to arrange another free community testing event at City Hall in September.
PLANNING CONTINUES FOR NEW DAILY TESTING SERVICE IN BIG BEAR LAKE
The City Council has awarded a $46,800 grant to Bear Mountain Family Medicine Urgent Care to begin offering daily testing, at no cost, to residents of the Big Bear Valley. Grant funds will be used to purchase 900 test kits and a testing device that will enable us to provide test results while the patient is still in the office.

Testing is expected to begin no later than September 1, and hopefully sooner. Appointments will be scheduled approximately every 15 minutes, and will be administered at the Urgent Care facility at 41949 Big Bear Boulevard. Additional details will be provided in a future City COVID-19 update.

This testing is being funded by Federal grant funding awarded to the City, and we are pleased to be able to expand local testing, with nearly immediate results, in the Big Bear Valley.
CITY CONSIDERING POSSIBLE FIREWORKS SHOW TO CELEBRATE CITY'S 40TH BIRTHDAY
The City of Big Bear Lake was incorporated on November 28, 1980, and is fast-approaching our 40th birthday - 102 days from now!

In honor of this significant day, the City is considering rescheduling the previously postponed fireworks show to Saturday, November 28. Additional details still need to be ironed out, and the show will only be produced if it can be presented in a safe manner for our residents and second home owners.

City officials continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation in the Big Bear Valley, and a final decision on the fireworks will be made later this fall.
SECOND HOMEOWNERS WELCOME IN BIG BEAR LAKE;
SAFE, RESPONSIBLE, AND RESPECTFUL VISITORS ALSO WELCOME
The Big Bear Valley remains fortunate to experience a relatively low incidence of COVID-19, and is among the safest places in California. We are fortunate to be located in a somewhat isolated, natural environment that is naturally socially distanced, with an outdoor-based lifestyle. Having said that, COVID-19 remains a serious threat to our community, and the City and many other partners continue to work hard to promote the health and safety of our residents - especially those who are most vulnerable to COVID-19.

The City of Big Bear Lake recognizes that we are a safe, convenient, and desirable location during the COVID-19 event, and many of our valued second homeowners are spending prolonged periods of time in our community - and we are glad to have them here in our community! These second homeowners care deeply about our community, are our neighbors, patronize our local businesses, and enjoy it here for all the same reasons those of us who are lucky enough to live here year-round!

The City also welcomes our visitors during these challenging times - as long as they are behaving in a safe, responsible, and respectful manner. This means wearing a face covering when interacting with others (indoors and outdoors), maintaining 6 ft. of distance from other groups, and practicing good hygiene. It also means being respectful of those who live near our lodging facilities and vacation rentals so that our residents can peacefully enjoy their homes. We simply need our visitors to quiet down after 10 pm, adhere to all other laws and regulations, and keep our community clean - DON'T LITTER! Visitors should also bring groceries and supplies from their home community to maintain our local supply.

There have been recent reports of anonymous flyers being posted on certain properties in Big Bear Lake suggesting that our second homeowners and visitors stay away. This group is not affiliated with the City in any way, the City does not share these views, and this group is trespassing on their neighbors' properties.

Again, the City absolutely welcomes our second homeowners, and our safe, responsible, and respectful visitors!
ALL BUSINESSES NEED TO BE VIGILANT IN ORDER TO KEEP OUR COMMUNITY SAFE AND OPEN!
It's now more important than ever for ALL Big Bear businesses to double-down on your commitment to keeping your employees, your customers, and our community safe!

PLEASE do your part, and be vigilant in your efforts:

  • adhere to the applicable State guidance for your business, and always err on the side of health and safety,

  • REQUIRE your employees and customers to wear a face covering in order to work at or enter your business,

  • arrange your business operations to maximize physical distance between all customers and employees,

  • wherever feasible, move business operations outdoors,

  • monitor your employees for possible COVID-19 symptoms, and err on the side of caution by keeping them away from work until a negative test result is obtained and no symptoms are present,

  • if you have an employee test positive, please follow the guidance located here , and


The City is happy to assist any of our businesses with compliance efforts, and City staff are making periodic visits to all Big Bear Lake businesses to educate business owners, offer assistance, and provide free masks.

The City's goal is to work cooperatively with our businesses to keep everyone safe, and also help your business avoid a potential punitive action by State officials. For assistance, please contact City Hall at 909-866-5831 or email us. The City is committed to helping our businesses operate safely and maintain profitability!
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 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!
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