BIG BEAR LAKE COVID UPDATE #12 - BEAR VALLEY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL WORKING HARD
SCM ALERT🚨, Wed Mar 25 2020, 04:32PM

Update #12- COVID-19 Threats - March 25, 2020 4 p.m.
Link to this Release: [Click Here]

BEAR VALLEY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL WORKING HARD FOR THE BIG BEAR LAKE COMMUNITY

Bear Valley Community Hospital is committed to providing quality healthcare services to our community during the COVID-19 emergency, and is working hard for the Big Bear Lake community!

The safety of patients, visitors, employees, and physicians remains their highest priority, and they have been working to prepare our hospital and clinics for caring for those who need help during this time.

THERE ARE SOME OF THE THINGS THAT BVCH HAS ACCOMPLISHED THUS FAR:
developed a screening process for each of the entrances to the hospital and outpatient clinics,
created an outdoor screening and triage process for Emergency Department patients,
acquired additional ventilators,
assembled emergency respiratory kits,
increased staffing in the Respiratory Therapy department,
created additional isolation and negative pressure patient rooms,
hired additional Registered Nurses and EMTs in the Emergency Department,
developed a plan for expanded capacity in the Emergency Department,
re-arranged services to keep outpatient lab draws and EKG away from the patient care areas in the hospital, and
gathered supplies for patient care and Personal Protective Equipment for hospital staff.
The hospital notes that the will be some differences in the care that you receive when you come to the hospital or the clinic.

HERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU CAN EXPECT:
you will be screened and asked to wash your hands before entering the hospital,
you may be treated from your car,
your appointment may be rescheduled as a telemedicine or phone appointment,
clinics are not seeing walk-in patients, but same-day appointments may be available,
visitors are not allowed in patient care areas, and
if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, hospital staff will be wearing PPE when they care for you; this may include things like a mask or hood, gown, protective suit, gloves, goggles and/or face shield.
Bear Valley Community Hospital advises that patients who are concerned that they have symptoms of COVID-19 should contact their primary care provider by telephone to discuss their symptoms. They note that most people infected with COVID-19 have mild cold symptoms, however, a small fraction of people may require more intensive care. Patients who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and experiencing increased shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing should come to the Emergency Department. If time allows, the patient should notify the hospital ahead of time so that they can prepare for your arrival.

At this time, Bear Valley Community Hospital has a limited supply of COVID-19 tests, and these tests are being allocated to patients who are critically ill and meet guidelines set by public health officials. If you are tested for COVID-19 and are in stable condition you will be discharged home with instructions on self-quarantine and isolation. If you require hospitalization, the hospital is prepared to stabilize you in the ED and either admit you here or transfer you to another hospital if you need specialized services that are not available on the mountain.

To contact Bear Valley Community Hospital, please call (909) 866-6501.

Bear Valley Community Hospital staff continue to work hard to do everything they can to be prepared to assist our community, and we are fortunate to have their dedicated service! Fortunately, there is still only one known case Big Bear Lake (Mayor Herrick), however, Bear Valley Community Hospital stands ready to assist others in need.

ASSUME THE VIRUS IS EVERYWHERE, AND ACT RESPONSIBLY!

Due to testing delays, new cases of COVID-19 are being confirmed every day in California, and public health officials have advised that everyone should assume that anyone (even those without obvious symptoms) could have COVID-19 and unintentionally affect others.

PLEASE ACT RESPONSIBLY!
heed the Governor's order to "shelter in place",
limit your interactions with others to the maximum extent practical, and don't invite large groups to shelter in place with you.
plan your essential trips out accordingly, and limit the number of trips to the grocery store, drug store, etc.,
keep at least 6 feet of distance between you and others you come into contact with,
wash your hands ALL THE TIME, and
if you need to get outside, take a walk, go for a run, take a bike ride, or go on a hike by yourself or with your family - but stay far away from others!
It's in everyone's best interest to adhere to these recommendations so we can resolve this crisis sooner rather than later!

SR 330 WORK UNDERWAY, CITY HOPEFUL FOR GOOD PROGRESS DURING COVID-19 EMERGENCY

Caltrans has begun work on an important bridge rail replacement project on State Route (SR) 330 at the West Fork City Creek Bridge. One lane will be closed, and a solar traffic signal will regulate traffic through the construction zone over the next several months. Motorists are reminded that alternate routes are available on SR 18 through Crestline and Rimforest, and also on SR 38 through Mentone and Angelus Oaks. Although these routes are slightly longer, the actual travel time will likely be similar or shorter than SR 330 during construction.

City officials and other community leaders are working with Caltrans to mitigate the traffic impacts associated with this project, and remain hopeful that significant progress will occur during the COVID-19 emergency. Once the COVID-19 emergency has ended, it will be important to promote efficient traffic flow to and from Big Bear Lake to restore the local tourism economy, and City officials will be working toward that end.

BE AWARE OF COVID-19 CYBER SCAMS!

LOCAL GROCERY STORES, RESTAURANTS, PHARMACIES ARE ALL WORKING HARD TO SERVE YOU!

Local grocery stores, restaurants, and pharmacies are all working hard to provide food, drugs, and other essential items for the people of Big Bear Lake and the entire valley during the COVID-19 emergency, and they are happy to serve you!

Von's is open to the general public from 9 am - 9 pm each day, and offers "Golden Hours" for senior citizens, pregnant women, and those with disabilities each Monday - Friday from 7 am to 9 am in order to provide a safer shopping environment. Stater Brothers is open daily from 8 am - 9 pm, with early entry for senior citizens at 7:45 am each day. Both stores have limits on the purchase of certain items.

CVS is open from 9 am – 9 pm daily. Walgreens is also open from 9 am - 9 pm daily, with a special 8 am opening for senior citizens on Tuesdays. Both stores have limits on the purchase of certain items.

There are many great restaurants in Big Bear Lake, and these restaurants are all offering take-out and/or delivery options:

Amangela’s Sandwich & Bagel House - (909) 878-0015 - 40729 Village Drive

Alpine Country Coffee Shop - (909) 866-1959 - 41546 Big Bear Blvd.

Grind & Grill Café - (909)866-5219 – 42011 Big Bear Blvd.

The Old German Deli - (909) 878-0515 -40645 Village Drive

Mountain Munchies - (909) 866-7767 – 42171 Big Bear Blvd.

Dank Donuts - (909) 547-6053 - 42612 Moonridge Rd.

Teddy Bear Restaurant - (909) 866-5415 - 583 Pine Knot Ave.

Big Bear Brewing Company - (909) 878-0283 - 40827 Stone Rd

The Boneyard Bar & Grill - (909) 878-0401 – 560 Pine Knot Ave.

Domino’s Pizza - (909) 866-3555 – 41234 Big Bear Blvd.

Nuevo Vallarta Grille - (909) 866-7355 – 40949 Big Bear Blvd.

Get the Burger - (909) 866-8800 – 42151 Big Bear Blvd.

Murray’s Saloon & Eatery - (909) 866-1444 – 672 Cottage Lane

Village Pizza - (909) 866-8505 – 40568 Village Dr.

Maggio’s Pizza - (909) 866-8815 – 42160 Big Bear Blvd.

Red Baron Pizza - (909) 866-4744 - 42173 Big Bear Blvd.

Azteca Grill - (909) 866-2350 - 40199 Big Bear Blvd.

Fuji Restaurant - (909) 866-8108 - 41025 Big Bear Blvd.

Denny’s - (909) 866-7842 – 41196 Big Bear Blvd.

Royal Thai - (909) 866-2808 – 40766 Village Dr.

Saucy Mama’s Pizza & Pasta - (909) 878-0165 – 618 Pine Knot Ave.

Chuang Dynasty - (909) 866-7887 – 40989 Big Bear Blvd.

Jersey Mike’s - (909) 866-0447 – 42173 Big Bear Blvd.

BLT’s Restaurant - (909) 866-6659 – 41799 Big Bear Blvd.

Santana & Maverick’s Unique Crafted Foods - (909) 878-0047 - 40771 Big Bear Blvd.

Café Crepe - (909) 809-2353 – 41003 Big Bear Blvd.

Sonora Cantina - (909) 866-8202 – 41144 Big Bear Blvd.

Sizzler - (909) 866-1055 – 42137 Big Bear Blvd.

Gaby’s Latin Flavors - (909) 878-0744 – 41618 Big Bear Blvd.

Tropicali - (909) 878-0499 – 40616 Village Dr.

McDonald’s - (909) 693-5233 - 41412 Big Bear Blvd.

Jack in the Box - (909) 866-6436 – 40771 Village Dr.

El Pollo Loco - (909) 866-1019 – 41383 Big Bear Blvd.

Taco Bell - (909) 866-7778 - 41170 Big Bear Blvd.

If you're tired of cooking, or miss your favorite spot in Big Bear Lake, please order take-out or have it delivered to your home. Please practice effective social distancing when you pick up your food, and wash your hands before and after you visit the restaurant!

If you own a local restaurant, and the City has accidentally not included you on this list, please reply to this email and let us know you are open. We are happy to add your restaurant to the list.

CITY WORKING WITH AIRBnB ON VACATION RENTAL ISSUES, LODGING FACILITIES AND VACATION RENTALS MAY NOT OPERATE

In response to the Governor's "shelter in place" order, and after receiving additional clarification, the City of Big Bear Lake and San Bernardino County (which has authority over all other areas in Big Bear Valley not in the City limits) have both enacted restrictions on lodging facilities and vacation rentals.

LODGING FACILITIES AND VACATION RENTALS MAY ONLY OPERATE UNDER THE FOLLOWING CIRCUMSTANCES:
to provide accommodations for critical infrastructure workers,
if specifically designated by the State or County to house confirmed COVID-19 patients (currently not the case and highly unlikely in the future), and
to serve existing guests who were already here prior to March 23, provided the existing guests "shelter in place" at the lodging facility or vacation rental.
The City has received excellent cooperation from local lodging facilities and local vacation rental management companies, who are concerned about the health of our community and who have acted prudently and ceased operations. The City is currently working directly with AirBnB and self-managed vacation rental owners to enforce these restrictions.

TO REPORT A VIOLATION CALL (909) 866-CODE.

It is important to note that the second homeowners, including those who also participate in the City's vacation rental program, are permitted to occupy the home themselves and are not subject to the City's vacation rental regulations.

FLEXIBLE RESCHEDULING OPTIONS AND CREDITS AVAILABLE FOR VISITORS

The City of Big Bear Lake and Visit Big Bear encourage all of our visitors to be safe and "shelter in place" in your home community.

Big Bear Lake lodging establishments and vacation rental companies understand the significance of this crisis, and are offering flexible rescheduling options, credits, and more to make your future visit to Big Bear Lake as enjoyable as possible. Please contact your lodging provider or vacation rental company to reschedule your visit.

We'll be back stronger than ever after the COVID-19 emergency has been resolved, and we look forward to hosting you as soon as it's safe for you, your family, and our community!

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY PROPERTY TAX COLLECTOR ANNOUNCES PENALTY RELIEF FOR QUALIFIED PROPERTY TAXPAYERS

Local property taxes are due on April 10, and all property taxpayers are encouraged to remit property taxes by this deadline. Due to hardships resulting from the COVID-19 emergency, the San Bernardino County Tax Collector has announced that late payment penalties will be waived for qualifying residential and business properties if property taxes are paid before June 30. To learn if you qualify, and other details, please call the San Bernardino Tax Collector's office at (909) 387-8308.

MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT ANNOUNCES RAMP OPENING DATE, FISHING PERMITTED FROM SHORE WITH EFFECTIVE SOCIAL DISTANCING

Consistent spring weather is just about here, and the Municipal Water District has announced that the eastern ramp on Big Bear Lake will open for boaters on April 7, unless public health restrictions dictate otherwise. Fishing from shore is currently allowed around Big Bear Lake, however, effective social distancing is required.

CITY AND OTHER AGENCIES CONTINUE TO PROVIDE ESSENTIAL SERVICES

In response to Governor Newsom's "shelter in place" order and the confirmation of the first case of COVID-19 in Big Bear Lake, the City has adjusted its operations to essential services and essential personnel only. City staff will continue to maintain critical infrastructure and perform essential services, however, other services will be temporarily suspended.

The City will continue to provide the following essential services while the COVID-19 threats persist:

COVID-19 emergency response,
COVID-19 public communications,
law enforcement (through SB County Sheriff's Department),
code enforcement,
fire suppression and emergency medical services (through the Big Bear Fire Department),
snow removal,
public water supply (through the DWP),
wastewater collection,
solid waste collection (through Big Bear Disposal),
City buildings and facilities maintenance,
building inspections, and
critical street maintenance.
City Hall remains open for essential services and essential personnel, and essential City staff are available for telephone - (909) 866-5832 - and email inquiries.

The City will resume normal operations after the COVID-19 threat has passed.

KEY RESTRICTIONS REMAIN IN EFFECT IN BIG BEAR LAKE

The following key restrictions remain in effect in Big Bear Lake:

everyone in Big Bear Lake is directed to "shelter in place", especially those age 65 and older and those who are especially vulnerable to COVID-19, however, travel is permitted for work and to conduct personal business,
grocery stores, drug stores, and other essential retail and service businesses may operate,
construction and repair activities may continue,
bars, nightclubs, movie theaters, gyms, bowling alleys, ski areas, snow play areas, and other similar businesses may not operate,
restaurants are closed for in-restaurant seated dining, however, take-out and delivery services are permitted,
lodging and vacation rentals may no longer operate, except for situations described above,
non-essential group gatherings of any size are prohibited, including commercial establishments, churches, community groups, and other formal and informal group activities, and
isolated, outdoor exercise is permitted, including walking your dog.


Re: BIG BEAR LAKE COVID UPDATE #12 - BEAR VALLEY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL WORKING HARD
Christopher, Wed Mar 25 2020, 05:55PM

"Consistent spring weather is just about here, and the Municipal Water District has announced that the eastern ramp on Big Bear Lake will open for boaters on April 7, unless public health restrictions dictate otherwise. Fishing from shore is currently allowed around Big Bear Lake, however, effective social distancing is required."

Why even state the possibility? Does anyone REALLY believe that in 13 days we'll be welcoming visitors with open arms?

Re: BIG BEAR LAKE COVID UPDATE #12 - BEAR VALLEY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL WORKING HARD
Benny ⭐, Wed Mar 25 2020, 06:16PM

Christopher wrote ...

"Consistent spring weather is just about here, and the Municipal Water District has announced that the eastern ramp on Big Bear Lake will open for boaters on April 7, unless public health restrictions dictate otherwise. Fishing from shore is currently allowed around Big Bear Lake, however, effective social distancing is required."

Why even state the possibility? Does anyone REALLY believe that in 13 days we'll be welcoming visitors with open arms?

Yeah I don't think welcoming visitors with open arms is the greatest of ideas that soon. I am however open to the idea of opening the lake for people (locals) to get out, get some fresh air and enjoy. Though that's a tricky one to enforce, it could create more harm than good. I imagine they will re-evaluate as it gets closer.

Re: BIG BEAR LAKE COVID UPDATE #12 - BEAR VALLEY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL WORKING HARD
MtMan, Wed Mar 25 2020, 06:55PM

I think it could be done simply by asking for ID's and signage near the road.