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!

According to the latest data from San Bernardino County, there have now been a cumulative total of 115 confirmed COVID-19 cases since mid-March. Of this total, there have been 56 cases in the City of Big Bear Lake, 44 cases in Big Bear City, 12 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, 108 of these individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and there are currently only 7 active cases in the Big Bear Valley. Thankfully, there have been no deaths attributed to COVID-19 in the Big Bear Valley.

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 212 confirmed and suspected COVID-19 patients hospitalized in San Bernardino County. This number has steadily decreased from a peak of 738 patients on July 25.

According to the latest data, there are now a total of 56 COVID-19 patients in intensive care, and this number has also steadily decreased over the past two months. There are now a total of 180 intensive care beds still available in San Bernardino County.

The State has cleared nail salons to operate indoors in compliance with guidelines, which include the use of disposable gloves, specific disinfectant measures after each service, staggered appointments, face coverings, and other protocols to ensure the safety of both patrons and employees.

Most businesses in the City of Big Bear Lake have been operating in some form since late May, and the City continues to adhere to the State’s guidelines. 

Under the latest State guidelines, the only businesses in the City of Big Bear Lake that are not currently permitted to operate are gyms, the movie theater, indoor entertainment venues, and “true” bars. Restaurants continue to be limited to take-out, delivery, and outdoor dining options, and most restaurants in the City appear to have adapted well, all things considered. The City remains hopeful that ALL of our businesses will be allowed to open in some capacity sooner than later, and, with the cooler weather approaching we are hopeful that our restaurants will be permitted to resume indoor dining in some capacity very soon.

The new State guidelines are included in a color-coded tier system. Under the latest State guidelines, San Bernardino County is currently in the “Purple Tier”. The State has outlined criteria that will hopefully enable the County to move to the “Red Tier” within the next 2 weeks, and this progression would allow restaurants to operate indoors at 25% capacity, the movie theater to operate indoors at 25% capacity, and gyms to operate indoors at 10% capacity. Churches would also be permitted to operate indoors at 25% capacity under the "Red Tier".

Indoor entertainment venues and "true" bars are not permitted to operate until the County reaches the "Orange Tier" or the "Yellow Tier". It is likely that the County will not reach the "Orange Tier" until at least late October. The "Orange Tier" allows many businesses to operate at 50% capacity indoors.

A list of the business activities permitted in each tier is located here.

San Bernardino County offered another Big Bear testing event at City Hall on September 24, and the City will report the results of this testing event next week when this data is available in aggregate form.

The City continues to work with the County on future testing events, and is targeting Tuesday, October 20 for the next COVID-19 testing event. Additionally, the County will offer free flu shots at City Hall on Monday, October 19 from 10 am - 2 pm. More details will be announced as the date approaches.

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.

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.