Update #56
COVID-19 Emergency
May 12, 2020 - 7 pm
No Change in Confirmed Cases in Big Bear Valley

Still Sufficient Hospital, Ventilator Capacity Available

Summary of Current Restrictions and Recommendations in Big Bear Lake

City Council Approves City Reopening Plan, Will Be Forwarded to Governor

City Council Waives Business License Renewal Fees, Delays Previously Planned Sanitation and Refuse Fee Increases

Garage / Yard Sales Permitted in Big Bear Lake

More Guidance for Lodging, Vacation Rentals Expected Wednesday
THIS IS THE OFFICIAL 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 threats in Big Bear Lake and the City's response to these threats.

This email newsletter is the official guidance from the City of Big Bear Lake, and the City appreciates everyone's adherence to the restrictions and recommendations 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 Frank A. Rush, Jr., City Manager, at 909-866-5832 or via email.
 
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!
NO CHANGE IN CONFIRMED CASES IN BIG BEAR VALLEY
There are now a total of 10 confirmed cases in Big Bear Valley, with an additional case reported in the City limits over the weekend. There are now a total of 6 confirmed cases in the City of Big Bear Lake and 4 in unincorporated areas outside the City limits.

The County reports a total of 3,015 confirmed cases in San Bernardino County. A total of 31,784 tests have been administered thus far in the County, with 9.5% testing positive for COVID-19. Sadly, a total of 115 people have now died from COVID-19 in San Bernardino County. Thankfullly, there are 0 deaths reported for the Big Bear Valley.

This data is updated daily at the County's COVID-19 dashboard, and the City encourages everyone to view this site for the most accurate information.
STILL SUFFICIENT HOSPITAL, VENTILATOR CAPACITY AVAILABLE
City officials continue to closely track the County's data regarding hospital bed and ventilator availability in our County, and we view this data as the most important data for managing the COVID-19 crisis.

According to the County, there are a total of 231 patients hospitalized with confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19. The number of patients hospitalized has generally remained in the 250 range since April 15, and hit its peak of 451 patients on April 10. The County reports a total of 1,128 "surge capacity" beds (the number of additional beds a hospital could provide if all available space was needed) in the County, and there are approximately 6,000 total hospital beds in the County.

There are a total of 65 patients in intensive care, and 188 intensive care beds are still available. The number of ICU patients has generally remained in the 75 range since April 23, and hit its peak of 124 on April 10. There are a total of 268 ventilators in use in the County, and an additional 574 ventilators still available. It should be noted that of this total, only 54 of the ventilators are being used by confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients. The other 214 ventilators are being utilized by patients with other ailments. The number of confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients on ventilators has remained in this same range since April 25.

Bear Valley Community Hospital and Big Bear Fire / EMS officials continue to report generally lower patient and call volumes than typical for this time of year, which remains a good sign for our community. Bear Valley Community Hospital is equipped with 30+ hospital beds and 7 ventilators.

The stated goals for Governor Newsom's response to COVID-19 were to a) slow the spread and b) not overwhelm the health care system, and thankfully, both of these goals appear to have been met in San Bernardino County and in the Big Bear Valley. Although COVID-19 remains a significant public health concern, it appears to be manageable by our local health care system.
SUMMARY OF CURRENT RESTRICTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS IN BIG BEAR LAKE
With the r ecent rescission of public health orders by San Bernardino County, the City of Big Bear Lake is now relying exclusively on Governor Newsom's orders regarding COVID-19.

The City recognizes that the Governor's orders may be confusing and inconsistent, and we are attempting to communicate the most updated information to the public in a manner that is specific to Big Bear Lake.

These are the most current recommendations and restrictions applicable in Big Bear Lake:

  • Everyone is encouraged to maintain at least 6 ft. of separation from others (or other groups not from your household or family unit) in all interactions.

  • Face coverings are no longer required, but are strongly recommended for all interactions with others.

  • Everyone is encouraged to continue to wash your hands frequently, generously apply hand sanitizer, and to simply be highly vigilant and aware of the virus, and act responsibly.

  • Our most vulnerable residents should take additional precautions, and thoughtfully reconsider the need to interact with others. These groups include those over age 65, those with other significant health concerns, and those with compromised immune systems.

  • In accordance with the Governor's orders, "essential" retail businesses are permitted to serve customers in indoor shopping areas or designated outdoor shopping areas, including:

  • grocery stores,
  • convenience stores,
  • drug stores,
  • pet stores,
  • medical supply stores,
  • hardware and building materials supply stores,
  • stores selling electronics, technology, and appliances,
  • auto parts stores, and
  • other stores selling "essential" items.

  • The City interprets the Governor's orders to allow ALL other retail businesses in the City of BIg Bear Lake to operate for curbside pickup only.

  • Many service businesses are permitted to operate, including:

  • auto repair,
  • auto sales,
  • construction and repair services,
  • professional offices,
  • real estate,
  • car washes,
  • pet grooming,
  • landscaping services, and
  • childcare services.

  • Restaurants are still limited to take-out or delivery only. No indoor seating is permitted under the Governor's orders. If patrons order take out, they should not congregate just outside the restaurant to eat, but should instead take the meal home or to another location away from others.

  • Lodging facilities and vacation rentals are not permitted to operate under Governor Newsom's orders. The City remains hopeful that we will again welcome overnight visitors, on a limited basis, in the near future. The City's entire economy is predicated on visitors, and the City is working with local business leaders to welcome visitors back in measured way that keeps our community safe!

  • Entertainment venues are not permitted to operate under the Governor's order. The movie theater, bowling alley, bars, music venues, and other similar operations remain closed. The lake is open for limited boating activities, and the golf course is expected to open late next week.

  • Barber shops, beauty salons, tattoo parlors, and nail salons are not permitted to operate under the Governor's order.

  • Outdoor physical activity, including riding a bike, taking a hike, taking a walk, or enjoying parks is all permitted, but everyone is encouraged to maintain at least 6 ft. separation and is encouraged to wear face coverings when near others. It is permissible for people to walk or bike on the Alpine Pedal Path, visit a City park, fish from the shore of the lake, take a stroll through The Village, walk in your neighborhood, etc. - but please BE RESPONSIBLE!

For further guidance from Governor Newsom, please visit the Governor's Resilience Roadmap. The Governor's website includes specific safety guidelines for each type of business.
CITY COUNCIL APPROVES CITY REOPENING PLAN, WILL BE FORWARDED TO GOVERNOR
City Council received a presentation and formally approved a "Plan for the Safe, Responsible Reopening of Big Bear Lake" at its meeting last night. The plan will be sent to Governor Newsom tomorrow, along with a formal request from the City of Big Bear Lake for authority to implement this plan in the City and the entire Big Bear Valley. The City's request is in addition to a formal request by San Bernardino County for a formal County variance, which would also be helpful to the City if ultimately granted. The City is pursuing every possible strategy to secure authority to allow our businesses to reopen in a safe manner as soon as possible.

The City's plan was drafted by City Manager Frank Rush and then reviewed, adjusted, and improved by a broad ad hoc committee of Big Bear Lake business leaders and residents that was led by Mayor Herrick and Mayor Pro Tem Putz. The City Council approved the plan by a unanimous vote at last night's meeting, and expressed their strong commitment to reopening Big Bear Lake as soon as possible. Unlike the current restrictions imposed by Governor Newsom, the City's plan would allow ALL businesses to open and relies on responsible behavior by businesses, employees, and patrons to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The City's plan includes 50% initial occupancy limits, adherence to various physical distancing, face covering, and hygiene requirements, and the incorporation of "best practices" by Big Bear Lake businesses.
CITY COUNCIL WAIVES BUSINESS LICENSE RENEWAL FEES, DELAYS PREVIOUSLY PLANNED SANITATION AND REFUSE FEE INCREASES
In an effort to assist our struggling local businesses and residents, the City Council voted unanimously last night to waive business license renewal fees for all Big Bear Lake businesses in FY 20-21. The Council also delayed planned sanitation (wastewater) and refuse (solid waste) fee increases, in addition to planned Village Maintenance Assessment District fee increases.

The City recognizes the difficult times for many in our community, and is attempting to be as helpful as possible to our businesses and residents. The City's budget has been reduced by approximately $180,000 to accommodate these actions.
GARAGE / YARD SALES PERMITTED IN BIG BEAR LAKE
Governor Newsom's orders have been amended to allow outdoor open gallery spaces, and curbside pickup is also permitted by the Governor's orders. Thus, the City interprets these orders to permit garage / yard sales to occur in Big Bear Lake, effective immediately. Residents and property owners planning to conduct a garage / yard sale should contact City Planning staff at 909-866-5831 to register.
MORE GUIDANCE FOR LODGING, VACATION RENTALS EXPECTED WEDNESDAY
In accordance with Governor Newsom's orders, lodging facilities and vacation rentals are still not permitted to operate in California, unless housing "essential workers", COVID-19 patients, or homeless individuals.

The City continues to seek a responsible and measured easing of these restrictions in Big Bear Lake, and continues to work closely with County officials and local business leaders on this issue. The City previously advised lodging facilities and vacation rental managers / owners to block out all dates through at least May 14, and will issue new guidance on Wednesday in the City's COVID-19 update.
ADDITIONAL, FREQUENT TESTING NOW AVAILABLE IN VICTOR VALLEY
San Bernardino County will launch three testing sites in the Victor Valley area this week. These testing sites are powered through a partnership with the California Department of Public Health and OptumServe. OptumServe is the federal government health services business of Optum, a leading health services innovation company.

State testing is conducted at the following locations in the Victor Valley area, and Big Bear Valley residents may schedule an appointment for testing if needed and convenient:

Victor Valley College
18422 Bear Valley Rd., Victorville
May 11 – 16, 7 am to 7 pm – for the general public

Victorville Activities Center
15075 Hesperia Rd., Victorville
May 11 and 12, 7 am to 7 pm – only for healthcare providers, first responders, and law enforcement
May 13 – 29, Monday through Friday, 7 am. to 7 pm – for the general public

Adelanto Stadium
12000 Stadium Way, Adelanto
May 11 - 29, Monday through Friday, 7 am to 7 pm – for the general public

Testing will be by appointment only for any individuals with or without symptoms of COVID-19 . Appointments can be made by visiting https://lhi.care/covidtesting or by calling 1-888-634-1123. Testing is free for all individuals, including those who are uninsured, underinsured, undocumented, or homeless. Individual testing results are confidential.
RESTAURANTS, SENIORS CAN NOW SIGN UP FOR MEAL DELIVERY
The new "Great Plates Delivered" program provides adults 65 and older (and adults 60-64 who are at high-risk from COVID-19) with three (3) nutritious meals a day to help keep them safe at home and healthy, and also provides economic assistance to local restaurants .
 
The Great Plates Delivered program is administered by San Bernardino County . Individuals with questions regarding how the program works and eligibility can find answers here . To enroll in the program, eligible individuals should call (888) 743-1485. Information on the program for Big Bear Lake restaurants interested in participating can be found here . Restaurants interested in participating should submit their interest to mary.bernal@hss.sbcounty.gov . 
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY PLANNING BUSINESS GRANT PROGRAM TO SUPPORT COVID-COMPLIANT BUSINESSES
San Bernardino County officials are planning a County-wide, $30 million grant program to assist small businesses with expenses associated with reopening in a safe, "COVID-Compliant" manner.

The grant program will be available to Big Bear Lake businesses, and is expected to assist small businesses with costs associated with PPE, disinfectants, hygiene supplies, and more in order to promote public health and safety as the economy is reopened. The City will include additional details about this new grant program in future COVID-19 updates.
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 threat - 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!
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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