Update #131
COVID-19 Event
February 9, 2021 - 5 pm
Local Cases Continue To Decline, But Local Death Total Now at 6

2 More UK Variant Cases Identified in Big Bear

City Council Adopts Mask Order

Vaccinations Ongoing, But Demand Far Exceeds Supply

Please Monitor Bear Valley Community Hospital Website For Additional Vaccination Opportunities

Continued COVID-19 Testing Encouraged - Next City Hall Testing Event is February 23
THIS IS THE OFFICIAL COVID-19 GUIDANCE FROM THE CITY OF BIG BEAR LAKE
The City of Big Bear Lake continues to work 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 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!
LOCAL CASES CONTINUE TO DECLINE, BUT LOCAL DEATH TOTAL NOW AT 6
The number of new local cases continues to decline in the Big Bear Valley, with a total of 23 new cases reported over the last week. This is the lowest number of new weekly cases in the Big Bear Valley over the last few months, and mirrors improving data trends in most places in California and the United States.

According to the latest data from San Bernardino County contact tracers, there are now a total of 34 active cases in the Big Bear Valley, and this number is also trending down. There have now been a cumulative total of 972 confirmed COVID-19 cases since mid-March. Of this total, there have been 352 cases in the City of Big Bear Lake, 518 cases in Big Bear City, 84 cases in Sugarloaf, and 18 cases in Fawnskin. Overall, approximately 5.1% of permanent residents in the Big Bear Valley have contracted COVID-19 since the pandemic began in mid-March. Approximately 8.6% of all Californians have contracted COVID-19 since mid-March.

Sadly, according to updated San Bernardino County records, there are now 6 confirmed deaths attributed to COVID-19 in the Big Bear Valley. County records indicate that 2 individuals from the City of Big Bear Lake, 1 individual from Sugarloaf, and 3 individuals from Big Bear City have passed away due to COVID-19.
2 MORE UK VARIANT CASES IDENTIFIED IN BIG BEAR
County public health officials recently confirmed that 2 more individuals in the Big Bear Valley were infected with the UK variant. These 2 individuals first presented with symptoms in mid-January, and have since recovered. County public health officials believe these 2 additional individuals had contact with 2 carriers of the UK variant that were active local cases in December, and, fortunately, these 2 individuals have also recovered. Although not confirmed, County officials suspect that 3 other COVID-19 cases related to the 4 confirmed individuals may also have carried the UK variant. All 3 of these individuals have also recovered, thankfully.

The State lab has only been performing genomic surveillance on approximately 1% of the COVID-19 cases, and it is likely that additional cases involving the UK variant have been circulating in our community in recent weeks. Public health experts believe that the UK variant is more contagious than the original strain of COVID-19, and are fearful that it may ultimately become the dominant strain in the United States by spring.
CITY COUNCIL ADOPTS MASK ORDER
In an effort to further emphasize the need for ALL of our residents, businesses, and visitors to wear face coverings, City Council adopted a formal mask order at its meeting last night. The new order was adopted in recognition of the continuing threat posed by COVID-19 and the need for our community to remain vigilant in efforts to discourage the spread. Under the new order, violators may be subject to a $500 City citation. Additionally, individuals who defy the mask order and refuse to leave a City business face arrest and stiffer State penalties.

Under the new order, the use of face coverings is required by all persons in Big Bear Lake whenever such persons are within 6 feet of others who are not members of the same household, in both indoor and outdoor settings.  Exceptions apply for young children, the act of eating or drinking, personal services requiring access to the nose and mouth, bona fide medical conditions, situations involving hearing impaired individuals where it is necessary to view the mouth for communication, and situations where the face covering presents a safety concern associated with the individual’s work.  The new order also requires all persons to carry a face covering with them at all times, and to implement the face covering when coming within 6 feet of others.

PLEASE do your part, and wear a face covering!
VACCINATIONS ONGOING, BUT DEMAND FAR EXCEEDS SUPPLY
Vaccinations continue to be administered at various public health centers, hospitals, and pharmacies in San Bernardino County, however, it remains very difficult to secure an appointment due to limited vaccine supply. There are, however, limited opportunities available to be vaccinated at locations off the mountain. To view current vaccination sites, including County facilities, hospitals, and pharmacies, please click here. Most vaccination sites are completely booked at this time, but please check back frequently. Eligible individuals (click here for current eligibility) can also sign up for alerts about new vaccination opportunities by clicking here.

Big Bear Lake City Hall is approved as a future public vaccine distribution site, however, this option will not be offered until there is an increase in weekly doses distributed to San Bernardino County by the State. Unfortunately, we do not expect this option to be available for at least a few more weeks, and perhaps longer. It is also important to note that Governor Newsom has announced plans to turn State vaccine distribution over to Blue Shield, and the effect of this change on San Bernardino County’s weekly allocations is unknown at this time. It is possible that the shift to Blue Shield managing vaccine distribution will reduce the allocations available to the County (and ultimately for the future City Hall site), however, this may also mean wider availability through Bear Valley Community Hospital, other local medical providers, CVS, and Walgreens in Big Bear Lake.  If this happens, it may delay or eliminate the Big Bear Lake City Hall site as a public vaccine distribution site – however, this change should result in the vaccine being more widely available in our community if Blue Shield is more effective than the State’s efforts to date. 

The speed of vaccine distribution thus far remains disappointing to everyone, and, unfortunately, there is not much more that can be done at the local level. The City and the County continue to be dependent on actions by manufacturers, the Federal government, and the State government. Unfortunately, all of us will simply need to be patient.
PLEASE MONITOR BEAR VALLEY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL WEBSITE FOR ADDITIONAL VACCINATION OPPORTUNITIES
Thus far, Bear Valley Community Hospital has received and administered a limited number of vaccine doses in our community, and they are expected to continue to receive vaccine allocations in the future. However, the timing and quantities are highly uncertain, and it is likely that new opportunities will be announced on short notice via the hospital website. Big Bear Valley residents are encouraged to frequently monitor the Bear Valley Community Hospital website for information about future vaccination opportunities.
CONTINUED COVID-19 TESTING ENCOURAGED - NEXT CITY HALL TESTING EVENT IS FEBURARY 23
Even though new COVID-19 cases are declining (thankfully), it is still important for everyone to get tested - even if you don't feel any symptoms. Frequent testing will help to identify cases early, enable infected individuals to avoid contact with others sooner, and will also help boost San Bernardino County's test data - which is one of the factors that could help the County move from the most restrictive Purple Tier to the Red Tier.

The City continues to partner with San Bernardino County to offer free COVID-19 tests at City Hall. The next testing event at City Hall is scheduled for Tuesday, February 23, where we expect to test up to 500 individuals. The reservation system is expected to open late next week, and you can schedule your free test by clicking here .
Stay Informed!
Sign up for City of BBL Updates,
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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

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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