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 weekly on Tuesdays, and also as otherwise warranted 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!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone in the Big Bear Valley! Although it's been an extremely difficult year for all of us, we are all incredibly fortunate to be able to enjoy Big Bear and should all be thankful for the blessings in our lives. We will get through these challenges, and Big Bear will eventually emerge from COVID-19 poised for greater success in the future. With multiple vaccines nearing distribution, there is at least some light at the end of the dark COVID-19 tunnel, and in the meantime we need EVERYONE to do your part to keep our community safe:

EVERYONE simply needs to take the now common-sense precautions outlined above, and be especially vigilant when interacting with others that are not a part of your own household. Research indicates that social gatherings are the leading spreader of COVID-19, so please limit your gatherings to members of your own household and/or take ALL appropriate precautions around others. Do it for yourself, your family, your friends, your neighbors, your community, and our local businesses - who can't afford another restrictive lockdown!

According to the latest data from San Bernardino County, there have now been a cumulative total of 342 confirmed COVID-19 cases since mid-March. Of this total, there have been 132 cases in the City of Big Bear Lake, 171 cases in Big Bear City, 33 cases in Sugarloaf, and 6 cases in Fawnskin.

The City receives Big Bear Valley-specific information from San Bernardino County contact tracers. According to the latest report, 288 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and there are currently 54 active cases in the Big Bear Valley. Sadly, there has now been 1 death attributed to COVID-19 in the Big Bear Valley.

There have been 78 new cases reported for the Big Bear Valley over the past week, and 157 new cases over the past 3 weeks - nearly as many as had been reported during the first 8 months of the COVID-19 event. These recent increases highlight the need for our residents and visitors to be especially diligent as we seek to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in our community.

With an estimated population of 18,941 people in the Big Bear Valley, and 54 currently active cases, approximately 1 in every 351 residents in our community are currently infected.

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 data in the entire County.

According to the latest data, there are currently 658 confirmed and suspected COVID-19 patients hospitalized in San Bernardino County. This number has increased by nearly 50% over the past week, with 216 more hospitalizations this week compared to last. This continued increase is very concerning, and is moving closer to the peak number of 738 hospitalizations in late July.

According to the latest data, there are now a total of 151 COVID-19 patients in intensive care, and this number has also increased by approximately 50%, or 51 patients, over the past week. There are now a total of 80 intensive care beds still available in San Bernardino County.

The State has imposed a limited stay at home order on all counties included in the Purple Tier, including San Bernardino County and Big Bear. The State order prohibits all non-essential work and other activities between the hours of 10 pm and 5 am. The State order does not prevent persons from the same household from leaving their residence, lodging, or temporary accommodation, as long as they do not engage in any interaction with (or otherwise gather with) persons from any other household.

Practically speaking, the limited stay at home order has little impact on Big Bear, as nearly all non-essential businesses are closed between 10 pm and 5 am anyway. Residents and visitors should simply remain at home during the overnight hours.

The City and County continue to partner to offer Big Bear testing events, and the next testing event is scheduled for Tuesday, December 15 at City Hall. The appointment portal is expected to be open a few days prior to December 15, and can be accessed by clicking here.

San Bernardino County continues to offer free COVID-19 testing at numerous locations off the mountain, and a complete list of testing sites and dates is available here. The City and the County encourage EVERYONE to get tested, regardless of whether or not you have symptoms, and to get tested REPEATEDLY.

The City and Bear Mountain Family Medicine Urgent Care continue to wait for the delivery of COVID-19 test kits, working in partnership to provide daily testing and nearly immediate results. This testing will begin as soon as the test kits are received, and additional information will be included in future City COVID-19 updates.

A total of 332 individuals were tested at the November 17 testing event held at Big Bear Lake City Hall. A total of 21 individuals, or 6.3% of those tested, were positive for COVID-19.

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.