A note from Supervisor Lovingood: Celebration in times of uncertainty

We are living through unsettling times. COVID-19 has claimed the lives and health of our fellow Americans in every corner of our Nation. Yet in times of fear and war and now this public health epidemic, we, as Americans, have a long history of standing strong, sustained by God.

So with the approach of Easter Sunday and Passover, I send you my best wishes for a joyful holiday. Easter marks Jesus Christ’s sacrifice for all mankind and his resurrection. And the eight days of Passover celebrate God’s liberation of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt. Yes, there is reason to celebrate.

Surgeon General Adams said this week that he absolutely expects U.S. deaths from coronavirus will be lower than earlier projections. That is due in part to Americans implementing social distancing and wearing of face coverings. But sadly, there are examples of people not following these reasonable practices. Several weeks ago, one out-of-town visitor, unaware he was carrying COVID-19, attended a funeral in Albany, Georgia, a relatively remote town of 75,000. The lack of precautions helped spread coronavirus throughout the community. Today, on a per-capita basis, Albany ranks fourth among the worst hit cities in the country.

So please take precautions seriously. The San Bernardino County Public Health Officer has issued a directive on the use of face coverings in public as well as on how houses of worship should make every effort to prevent contact between congregants. For details, click on www.sbcounty.gov. Many houses of worship are offering streaming services. For a list, click on https://www.facebook.com/SupervisorLovingood/photos/pb.210739675782317.-2207520000../1331742033682070/?type=3&theater

This Easter and Passover season, let us find strength in our faith and thank God for His blessings as we show our love and kindness to others.

San Bernardino County Business Resources Town Hall planned April 13

The San Bernardino County Economic Development Agency will hold an online Business Resources Town Hall at 1 p.m. Monday, April 13. The town hall will discuss the Economic Injury Disaster Loan, Payroll Protection Program, Disaster Bridge Loan, 7a Forgiveness Program, and other funding opportunities for your business. To register, click on https://fullerton.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__UxJWd5CRPeA3VFeJwaZkg 

President Trump blocks export of PPE

President Trump last week directed his administration to use the Defense Production Act to keep Personal Protective Equipment and other scarce medical resources within the United States for domestic use. U.S. Customs and Border Protection will detain shipments of the PPE specified in the President’s Memorandum while FEMA determines whether to return the PPE for use within the United States; to purchase the PPE on behalf of the United States; or, allow it to be exported. Meanwhile, the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released guidelines for extended use and limited reuse of N95 masks. For details, click on https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/hcwcontrols/recommendedguidanceextuse.html 

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FDA OK’s emergency use of drug for COVID-19

The Food and Drug Administration’s Chief Scientist has authorized emergency use of hydroxychloroquine in the treatment of coronavirus. In a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services, FDA Chief Scientist Rear Admiral Denise Hinton wrote, “Based on the totality of scientific evidence available to FDA, it is reasonable to believe that chloroquine phosphate and hydroxychloroquine sulfate may be effective in treating COVID-19, and that, when used under the conditions described in this authorization, the known and potential benefits of chloroquine phosphate and hydroxychloroquine sulfate when used to treat COVID-19 outweigh the known and potential risks of such products.” To view the full letter, click on https://www.fda.gov/media/136534/download

Gallup research helps leaders through COVID-19 disruption

Gallup has long studied how people and workplaces behave during times of crisis. Explore Gallup’s analytics and advice to learn how to respond swiftly and effectively to COVID-19 disruptions. From best practices on managing remote workers to discoveries on what the world is thinking – Gallup’s insights and advice will help navigate this evolving disruption. https://www.gallup.com/298523/covid-19.aspx

San Bernardino County mountains closed to snow play

All ski resorts and snow play areas in San Bernardino County have been closed to protect public health during the coronavirus pandemic.

“Out of respect for the residents of our mountain communities and the statewide order in place, it is imperative that you not visit the mountains at this time,” Supervisor Robert Lovingood said. “Maintain sheltering in place at your primary home. The limited essential services available in the mountain communities are to help sustain the needs of the residents until the order is lifted.”

Laws against parking on the roadside to play in the snow will be strictly enforced. Hotels, short-term rentals, and non-essential businesses are closed. The U.S. Forest Service has shut down its snow play areas to the public. For information about the coronavirus crisis, visit the County’s coronavirus website at sbcovid19.com.

San Bernardino County District Attorney uses video in courtroom

With the COVID-19 Coronavirus causing a slowdown in the criminal justice process, the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office is implementing videoconferencing solutions to ensure that criminal cases are heard. DA Jason Anderson wanted to limit chances for Coronavirus to spread in the courtrooms. So Chief Assistant District Attorney Michael Fermin spearheaded a team consisting of county employees from the technology, law enforcement, and district attorney's office to work collaboratively toward putting this solution in place.

After extensive development and testing, the ability to hold court via video between the jails and courtrooms is now enabled. Rather than transporting defendants on a jail bus close to other inmates and sheriff's deputies, they are escorted to a room, where they attend their court hearings via video. All parties to the court hearing, such as the defense and prosecuting attorneys, and the judge, are on video as well. District Attorney Anderson received overwhelming support, cooperation, and approval from the sheriff's department, the board of supervisors, public defender, and the Presiding Judge of San Bernardino County.

"It is of the highest importance that the people of San Bernardino County have confidence knowing that their judicial system continues to safeguard the rights of all parties to a case. Due process and public safety are bedrock fundamentals that can never be sacrificed," said Anderson.