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!

Please do your part:

The easiest thing for all of us to do is simply wear a face covering, and the State issued new face covering requirements yesterday that clarify that a face covering should be worn whenever outside of the home, except in the following situations:

The City needs EVERYONE to simply do the right things! ALL of us need to embrace these 5 simple strategies in order to keep our community safe and avoid another restrictive lockdown!

According to the latest data from San Bernardino County, there have now been a cumulative total of 264 confirmed COVID-19 cases since mid-March. Of this total, there have been 107 cases in the City of Big Bear Lake, 126 cases in Big Bear City, 28 cases in Sugarloaf, and 3 cases in Fawnskin.

The City receives Big Bear Valley-specific information from San Bernardino County contact tracers. According to the latest report, 229 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and there are currently 35 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 41 new cases reported for the Big Bear Valley over the past week, and 79 new cases over the past 2 weeks. These recent increases are the largest in the Big Bear Valley since the COVID-19 event began in March, and 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 35 currently active cases, approximately 1 in every 541 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 442 confirmed and suspected COVID-19 patients hospitalized in San Bernardino County. This number has increased by 34% over the past week, with 111 more hospitalizations this week compared to last. This continued increase is very concerning, however, the number of hospitalizations still remains well below the peak number of 738 in late July.

According to the latest data, there are now a total of 100 COVID-19 patients in intensive care, and this number has increased by 16 patients over the past week. There are now a total of 109 intensive care beds still available in San Bernardino County.

Due to Statewide increases in COVID-19 cases, the State has adjusted the color-coded tiers for many counties, and there are now 41 California counties in the most-restrictive Purple Tier. San Bernardino County remains in the Purple Tier, and has been assigned to that tier for the past 2 1/2 months. There are no changes to restrictions on business activities in San Bernardino County or Big Bear Lake, and a complete list of restrictions is available here.

In an effort to support as many businesses as possible that are dealing with state public health restrictions and the arrival of colder weather, the County of San Bernardino has announced an extension of the COVID Compliant Business Partnership Program with increased funding and adjusted eligibility criteria.

Any business or nonprofit, with no more than 100 employees and that has been in business prior to January 1, 2020, is now eligible to receive the funding, provided they demonstrate continued compliance with State / County public health orders, and incorporate safety and social distancing practices and measures into their business operations.

Interested businesses that have not previously applied have until December 13 to apply for the funds. To date, a total of 5,125 entities have been funded, and nearly $12.5 million has been distributed to eligible small businesses or nonprofits. The County will be contacting businesses that have already applied in the very near future to coordinate the additional funding.

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.

As reported last week, the Big Bear Valley has experienced its first death attributed to COVID-19, a female from the Sugarloaf community. Sadly, the deceased woman's pregnant daughter also lost her unborn baby to COVID-19.

All of us at the City extend our deepest condolences to the deceased's family and friends. This is a tragic incident, and is a stark reminder of the wide disparity in outcomes from contracting COVID-19, ranging from no symptoms at all to death.

A GoFundMe page has been established to assist the family impacted by this horrible, dual tragedy in recent weeks. Please consider a contribution by clicking here.

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.