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!

As of now, the COVID-19 testing event scheduled for Thursday, January 28 at City Hall is still on, and the County intends to test up to 500 individuals. With more snow expected to begin on Thursday, it is, however, possible, that this event may be postponed again. IF the testing event is postponed, individuals who signed up for an appointment will be notified by San Bernardino County. We remain hopeful that the weather will cooperate, and allow the testing event to occur. To make a new appointment for testing, please click here .

In addition to the planned testing event on Thursday, January 28, the City will also host testing events at City Hall on Tuesday, February 9 and Tuesday, February 23. Each of these testing events will be expanded to 6 hours, and will operate from 9 am to 3 pm. The expanded testing hours will enable us to conduct approximately 500 tests each day.

The State has terminated its Regional Stay At Home Order that had been in place since early December, and all Big Bear businesses are now advised to adhere to the current Purple Tier restrictions under the State's Blueprint for a Safer Economy. To learn what businesses are permitted to operate and how, please click here.

In conjunction with the State's termination of the Regional Stay At Home Order, the City has also terminated its previous limitations on vacation rentals that limited occupancy to members of the same household and allowed no more than 2 vehicles. Effective immediately, licensed vacation rentals should adhere to maximum occupancy limits included in the previously issued vacation rental license. Additionally, all vacation rental guests are required to park only in the driveway or garage, and are not permitted to park on any City street at any time.

The City is diligently enforcing its new vacation rental ordinance, which can be viewed by clicking here. All vacation rental owners, managers, and guests are expected to ensure compliance with the new ordinance, and risk citation and/or permit revocation for non-compliance.

The County's vaccine website includes helpful information, including current vaccination sites. There are currently no available appointments at the County's already established vaccination sites through the end of January, however, individuals age 65 and over may visit this website to sign up for notifications about new vaccination opportunities as they are announced.

Unfortunately, demand for vaccination far exceeds supply, and County officials continue to work diligently to secure additional doses. Everyone's patience is greatly appreciated.

San Bernardino County will open a daily vaccination site at Big Bear Lake City Hall as soon as supplies become available, and additional information will be communicated through the City's COVID-19 updates and social media channels.

According to the latest data from San Bernardino County, there have now been a cumulative total of 909 confirmed COVID-19 cases since mid-March. Of this total, there have been 324 cases in the City of Big Bear Lake, 489 cases in Big Bear City, 80 cases in Sugarloaf, and 16 cases in Fawnskin. Overall, approximately 4.8% of permanent residents in the Big Bear Valley have contracted COVID-19 since the pandemic began in mid-March. Approximately 8.1% of all Californians have contracted COVID-19 since mid-March.

The City receives Big Bear-specific information from San Bernardino County contact tracers. The most recent report indicates that 842 individuals have recovered, and that there are currently a total of 67 active cases. With an estimated population of 18,941 people in the Big Bear Valley, and 67 currently active cases, approximately 1 in every 283 residents in our community are currently infected.

Official County records have been updated recently, and now indicate 2 confirmed deaths attributed to COVID-19 in Big Bear. It is important to note that San Bernardino County recently acknowledged delays and other data reporting concerns due to issues associated with State's data reporting system, and the County expects future corrections to some County data. The City relies exclusively on data provided by the State and County, reports that data in the City's COVID-19 updates, and will update case and death totals as updated information is made available by the County. It is believed that there may be 2 additional deaths in the Big Bear Valley attributed to COVID-19, and the City will update its reporting accordingly as the County's reporting is updated.

Thankfully, ICU availability continues to improve in San Bernardino County and elsewhere in California.

As of January 25, the actual ICU availability in San Bernardino County hospitals is now at 12.5%, and continues to gradually increase. As of January 25, the State is reporting a total of 52 adult ICU beds available in San Bernardino County, and a total of 1,166 adult ICU beds available Statewide.

With COVID-19 still a serious threat and hospital capacity still severely strained, we need EVERYONE to take appropriate health and safety precautions to keep our community safe. It's not asking too much for you to simply do all the right things outlined below:

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.