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 122 confirmed COVID-19 cases since mid-March. Of this total, there have been 58 cases in the City of Big Bear Lake, 48 cases in Big Bear City, 13 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, 114 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and there are currently only 8 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 223 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, and has remained relatively constant in recent weeks.

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 173 intensive care beds still available in San Bernardino County.

The City and the County had been hopeful that the State would move San Bernardino County to the "Red Tier" when new designations were announced today. Unfortunately, due to a spike in COVID-19 cases in the County over the past week, San Bernardino County did not meet the State's criteria to move to the "Red Tier", and remains in the "Purple Tier" for at least 2 more weeks.

This setback is disappointing, as the City had been hopeful that the County would move to the "Red Tier" sooner so that restaurants could offer limited indoor dining and other indoor businesses and indoor Church services could resume in Big Bear Lake. Unfortunately, we will need to wait at least 2 more weeks, and perhaps longer, to make this change.

The Big Bear Valley is subject to State criteria that is measured on a County-wide basis. San Bernardino County is THE largest county in land area in the United States, and is nearly as large as the state of West Virginia. County officials have requested that the State of California allow the County to be divided into sub-regions for purposes of determining COVID-19 reopening, however, it does not appear that the State is inclined to consider sub-regions. Thus, the Big Bear Valley will need to wait for San Bernardino County to meet the State-prescribed criteria to move to the "Red Tier" and beyond. If it was its own county, the Big Bear Valley would meet the State's criteria to move to the "Red Tier".

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 22, and the City will report the results of this testing event as soon 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.

SR 38 is now open to motor vehicle traffic, thanks to the great work of Fire and Caltrans personnel in recent days. All routes to and from Big Bear are now fully accessible.

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.