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!

According to the latest data from San Bernardino County, there have now been a cumulative total of 356 confirmed COVID-19 cases since mid-March. Of this total, there have been 137 cases in the City of Big Bear Lake, 178 cases in Big Bear City, 35 cases in Sugarloaf, and 6 cases in Fawnskin.

The City receives Big Bear Valley-specific information from San Bernardino County contact tracers. According to the latest report, 336 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and there are currently 20 active cases in the Big Bear Valley. Sadly, there has been 1 death attributed to COVID-19 in the Big Bear Valley.

There were 14 new cases reported for the Big Bear Valley over the past week, and, thankfully, this is the fewest number of new cases per week since mid-October. There were 78 new cases reported between November 17 - 24, and 41 new cases the prior week. We are hopeful that the past week is the beginning of a new trend for the Big Bear Valley, despite national and state predictions of an impending surge in cases.

With an estimated population of 18,941 people in the Big Bear Valley, and 20 currently active cases, approximately 1 in every 947 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 934 confirmed and suspected COVID-19 patients hospitalized in San Bernardino County. This number has increased by 42% over the past week, with 276 more hospitalizations this week compared to last. This is the highest level of COVID-19 hospitalizations ever recorded in San Bernardino County, and far exceeds the previous high of 738 hospitalizations in late July.

According to the latest data, there are now a total of 185 COVID-19 patients in intensive care, and this number has increased by approximately 16%, or 24 patients, over the past week. There are now a total of 68 intensive care beds still available in San Bernardino County.

The County's health care system has maintained sufficient capacity throughout the COVID-19 event, however, the recent increases are straining health care resources in our County. Similar concerns exist throughout California, and these concerns are among the primary factors causing the Governor to consider additional restrictions in our state.

With record numbers of cases and hospitalizations, and fears of an even greater surge in the coming weeks, it is ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL for EVERYONE to do everything you can to keep yourself, your family, and your community SAFE! PLEASE do your part, for all of us:

All of these steps are EASY and are simply COMMON-SENSE! There's really no excuse for anyone to not take the precautions indicated above, and your diligence may make the difference for others, and for our businesses who will be severely harmed by more significant restrictions being contemplated by the Governor.

As a result of the recent surge in cases and hospitalizations throughout California, and fears of continued increases, Governor Newsom is currently contemplating additional restrictions that will impact San Bernardino County and the Big Bear Valley. Although the City remains hopeful that any new restrictions will not have a significant negative economic impact on the Big Bear Valley, it is possible that we may return to something approaching or similar to the restrictions imposed by the Governor in March, April, and May.

It is important to note that, earlier this year, the Big Bear Valley's incidence of COVID-19 was extremely low and was, in fact, much lower than almost everywhere in California. At that time, the Big Bear Valley was literally among the safest places in the United States, however, that is no longer the case, as the COVID-19 incidence in the Big Bear Valley in recent weeks is comparable to every other place in California. As such, the City will expect our residents and businesses to comply with any new restrictions imposed by the Governor in the coming weeks.

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.

Due to the inability of Abbott Laboratories to deliver COVID-19 test kits and a testing device, as promised in August, the City has terminated its agreement with Bear Mountain Family Medicine Urgent Care for rapid testing. Both the City and Bear Mountain Family Medicine Urgent Care are extremely disappointed in Abbott Laboratories, however, testing availability has expanded significantly in the Big Bear Valley since August. Anyone in need of a COVID-19 test should be able to secure a test at any number of locations, both in the Big Bear Valley and elsewhere. Many private doctors have access to testing, and Bear Valley Community Hospital continues to provide regular testing. Local testing is also available at CVS on Big Bear Boulevard.

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.