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 81 confirmed COVID-19 cases since mid-March. Of this total, there have been 41 cases in the City of Big Bear Lake, 31 cases in Big Bear City, and 9 cases in Sugarloaf.

The City is now receiving Big Bear Valley-specific information from San Bernardino County contact tracers, and learned today that 62 of these individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and that there are currently 19 active cases in the Big Bear Valley. This equates to approximately 1 active case per 1,158 residents of the Big Bear Valley. Thankfully, there have been no deaths attributed to COVID-19 in the Big Bear Valley.

There have been a total of 18 cases reported in the Big Bear Valley over the past two weeks, which equates to a two-week new case rate of 82 per 100,000 population in the Big Bear Valley. This two -week new case rate remains lower than the State of California as a whole, lower than San Bernardino County, and lower than all Southern California counties, thankfully.

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 and ventilator data in the entire County.

According to the latest data, there are currently 549 confirmed and suspected COVID-19 patients hospitalized in San Bernardino County. This number has decreased by 25.6% since the peak of 738 patients on July 25. We are hopeful that this number will continue to decrease in the coming weeks.

According to the latest data, there are now a total of 160 COVID-19 patients in intensive care, and this number has decreased by 22.0% since the peak of 205 ICU patients on July 25. There are now a total 149 intensive care beds still available in San Bernardino County.

Ventilators remain readily available in San Bernardino County, with a total of 461 currently available. There are currently 125 COVID-19 patients utilizing a ventilator in our county, and this number has decreased by 18.8% since July 25.

The City is again partnering with San Bernardino County to offer COVID-19 testing in Big Bear Lake. The next testing event will be held on Tuesday, August 18 from 10 am - 2 pm at Big Bear Lake City Hall. Appointments are required, and the appointment portal will open later this week. Additional details will be provided in a future City COVID-19 update.

San Bernardino County continues to offer testing at various locations throughout the County. Please click here to view available testing locations and schedule your appointment.

The City Council has awarded a $46,800 grant to Bear Mountain Family Medicine Urgent Care to begin offering daily testing, at no cost, to residents of the Big Bear Valley. Grant funds will be used to purchase 900 test kits and a testing device that will enable us to provide test results while the patient is still in the office.

Testing is expected to begin no later than September 1, and hopefully sooner. Appointments will be scheduled approximately every 15 minutes, and will be administered at the Urgent Care facility at 41949 Big Bear Boulevard. Additional details will be provided in a future City COVID-19 update.

This testing is being funded by Federal grant funding awarded to the City, and we are pleased to be able to expand local testing, with nearly immediate results, in the Big Bear Valley.

San Bernardino County's COVID-Compliant Business Partnership Program offers up to $2,500 to eligible recipients to purchase supplies and equipment to operate in a safe manner. A total of 77 businesses in Big Bear Lake have already received funding through this helpful program, and the County still has approximately $20 million available for distribution to COVID-compliant businesses.

County officials recently announced a few program changes, and, in addition to traditional businesses, this program is now also available to non-profit organizations, certain sole proprietors, certain home-based businesses, and vacation rental owners (up to $500 for the first unit, and $250 for each additional unit).

Big Bear Lake businesses are encouraged to take every feasible action to keep your customers and employees safe! Learn more and apply by clicking here .

The Big Bear Valley remains one of the safest and most enjoyable locations during the COVID-19 event, and visitation has been much higher than normal for the past several weeks. We welcome our guests, but remind all visitors to be safe, be courteous, and be respectful of our beautiful mountain community and those who call it home!

If you are visiting our community and staying in a vacation rental unit, please purchase your groceries and supplies in your home community and bring them with you to Big Bear. Our local grocery stores are working hard to meet demand and serve everyone, but you can help take the pressure off of our local stores and make it easier for our residents to also purchase the groceries and supplies they need. Thank you for your cooperation!

The City continues to closely monitor COVID-19 in the City limits, the entire Big Bear Valley, and in San Bernardino County, and will adjust our strategies as necessary and appropriate to keep our community SAFE and keep our community OPEN.

It is important to note that City officials make our decisions based on the actual experience in the Big Bear Valley, the overall hospital capacity in San Bernardino County, and after thoughtfully considering input from every segment of our community. We certainly consider the experiences throughout California and beyond, but we do not make our decisions based on media reports from other communities. Our attention is clearly focused on our situation here in the Big Bear Valley - that's what's most relevant in OUR community.

Although City officials are concerned about the escalation of cases since July 1, we do not believe it is necessary or prudent at this time to seek the closure of certain segments of our community. The City is currently implementing all applicable restrictions imposed by the State, and the Big Bear Valley continues to be impacted less than most other areas in California - thankfully.

The City of Big Bear Lake and Visit Big Bear urge all of our visitor to R E S P E C T our community when you are visiting. We are happy to welcome visitors, and we are thankful that all of us can enjoy the plentiful outdoor recreational opportunities in Big Bear - but we need everyone to act responsibly!

Roam Responsibly - Enjoy Big Bear thoughtfully and responsibly, maintain the utmost respect for everyone and everything, and remember this is our home!

Educate Yourself - Do your research before traveling to Big Bear, familiarize yourself with our expectations, and behave responsibly!

Safety First - This is simple - wear a face covering, maintain physical distance, and wash your hands frequently! If you are not feeling well, stay home and away from others! Think about your own safety and your family's safety, but also think about the safety of our residents and those working hard to serve you while you are here in Big Bear! Show everyone that YOU CARE about keeping others safe!

Preserve Big Bear - Be mindful of our pristine outdoor spaces, and maintain a light footprint. Please take your trash with you and dispose of it properly - don't litter!

Embrace the Big Bear Community - Support our local businesses, respect their requirements, and recognize that all of us are working hard to keep you safe, keep our residents safe, and keep our community open so you may continue to enjoy your time here! Be mindful of your neighbors living near your vacation rental unit, and recognize the need for you to behave in a responsible and friendly manner.

Celebrate the Big Bear Culture - We've got a great way of life here in the Big Bear Valley, and we are happy to share it with you and we want you to enjoy it here as much as we do! Check out all of the great activities to enjoy in Big Bear - while wearing your face covering and maintaining a safe distance from others!

Teach Others - Make sure everyone in your party is focused on the need to be safe and act responsibly when you're in Big Bear. You can set the example for them, and for our other visitors!

PLEASE do your part, and be vigilant in your efforts:

The City is happy to assist any of our businesses with compliance efforts, and City staff are making periodic visits to all Big Bear Lake businesses to educate business owners, offer assistance, and provide free masks.

The City's goal is to work cooperatively with our businesses to keep everyone safe, and also help your business avoid a potential punitive action by State officials. For assistance, please contact City Hall at 909-866-5831 or email us. The City is committed to helping our businesses operate safely and maintain profitability!

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.