 Cases Continue to Spike; County Urges ALL Residents to Get Tested
Following a period of steady decline in COVID-19 infections in the County leading to our re-opening of Stage 2 and 3 businesses, we’re sorry to share that we have begun experiencing an unmistakable spike in positive cases, as well as in hospitalizations. The situation is similar in other nearby counties.
In response to the uptick, yesterday Gov. Newsom and the California Department of Public Health released guidance for the closure of bars for those counties on the state’s County Monitoring List. Five counties, including Los Angeles, were issued mandatory bar closure orders. San Bernardino County (along with Riverside and four other counties) received recommended bar closure guidance.
San Bernardino County is carefully examining the details of the State’s guidance, seeking additional information from the State, and seriously assessing local conditions in determining what action to take.
“This renewed growth in infections not only increases the risk of people getting sick and even dying, but also threatens our ability to continue reopening our economy,” said Board Chairman Curt Hagman. “It is critical that you continue practicing social distancing and wearing a mask when you’re around other people.”
Many COVID-19 infections are coming from asymptomatic carriers
County residents should keep in mind that a face covering is not intended to protect you from the virus, but rather to significantly reduce the risk of inadvertently spreading the virus to others. The data has become clear: many people infected with the virus experience mild or no symptoms of the disease. In other words, you may feel perfectly fine and still infect others.
That’s why it also is essential for everyone — including those who are seemingly healthy — to get tested for the virus.
Fortunately, getting tested is quick, easy and free. You do not need a doctor’s prescription or symptoms. There are more than two dozen testing sites strategically spread out throughout the County. Simply go here to find the nearest location and schedule an appointment at a convenient time. You will receive an appointment confirmation number, which you’ll need to bring with you. (If you do not have internet access, please call 909-387-3911 to schedule an appointment.)
The entire testing process takes 10-15 minutes. It’s possible you may have a brief wait, so we strongly suggest using the restroom before leaving for your appointment and bringing water to avoid getting thirsty. We also suggest bringing a smartphone or something to read while you wait. And please don’t forget to wear your face covering.
It is absolutely critical that we not let down our guard and assume the virus has abated. It is still here, and it is still a serious problem. So please: continue to socially distance. Continue to wear a face covering when distancing is not possible. And schedule an appointment to have yourself tested, whether or not you are showing any symptoms.
Celebrating Independence Day Safely During Coronavirus
Most Fourth of July events around our County have been postponed, or cancelled altogether, due to continuously evolving COVID-19 conditions. The challenge is that firework displays are usually part of citywide celebrations in a park or stadium, which encourages public gatherings.
Like many things this year, a large gathering with strangers is simply not smart as the virus continues to infect people throughout the County. But this certainly doesn’t mean we shouldn’t celebrate the birth of our nation!
This is the year to have a smaller, household celebration instead of traveling or having that traditional block party. Instead, like everything else since COVID hit, this is the year to get creative with family and friends on how to safely and enthusiastically show you patriotism.
From lawn displays to a backyard campout, there are literally dozens of ways to celebrate. In fact, Country Living Magazine is sharing “18 4th of July Activities to Keep the Family Entertained” which can be found here; and “12 Patriotic Virtual 4th of July Party Ideas”, that can be found here.
But what about the fireworks?
This year will not see the traditional, city-sponsored firework celebrations. The cities of Chino, Fontana, Ontario, Redlands, Rialto, Yucca Valley and Yucaipa have cancelled or postponed their city-sponsored firework shows this year. Other cities are moving forward, but without the “public gathering” component of their celebrations.
Those cities moving forward with their firework display include Apple Valley, Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead, Rancho Cucamonga, Twentynine Palms, and Victorville. We recommend following these cities on social media or visiting their website for any up-to-the-minute updates or cancellations.
“Safe and Sane” fireworks (the kind you can buy from the corner firework stands) are only allowed in the following cities: Adelanto, Chino, Colton, Needles and Rialto, as well as specific locations in Fontana, Grand Terrace, and San Bernardino. Contact your local fire department for more information about “safe and sane” fireworks and if they are permitted in your area.
All fireworks are illegal elsewhere in the County, including all unincorporated areas. And any fireworks that explode, shoot into the air or move along the ground are termed dangerous and are illegal anywhere in California.
Possession and use of illegal fireworks like firecrackers, skyrockets, and others will result in a ticket and potential injury. With San Bernardino County facing a dangerous wildland fire season, the San Bernardino County Fire Department has increased its vigilance in enforcing state and County firework laws to protect public health and safety.
Fire and law enforcement agencies will be conducting operations this year to stop illegal fireworks with fines up to $1,250 for the first offense with the possibility of arrest. Property owners may be cited if they allow fireworks to be possessed, stored or used on their property.
“Residents play an important role in our fireworks investigations. If you see something, say something. Call the authorities or WeTip hotline at 1-800-47-ARSON to anonymously report illegal fireworks,” said County Fire Marshal Mike Horton.
The Office of the Fire Marshal just launched an Illegal Fireworks Reporter website that allows people to report illegal fireworks online. To make an anonymous report, residents may visit https://bit.ly/SBCoReportFireworks. Be sure to include the date, time, and specific location of the alleged activity. Any photos and videos of incidents will aid in the investigation of alleged violations. Photos and videos may be included in the submission of each report.
 New Online Search Tool Will Help Residents Find
COVID-Compliant Businesses
The County is launching the COVID-Compliant Business Partner Locator, an online search database.
The Locator will encourage County residents and visitors to quickly and easily find those businesses committed to ensuring the health and safety of employees and customers. The businesses are those who are participating in the County’sCOVID-Compliant Business Partnership. Partnership members have agreed to comply with state and County public health orders and incorporate a variety of safety measures in their day-to-day operations.
“This is another tool to reward those businesses that take other people’s well-being seriously,” said Chairman Curt Hagman. “Workers and customers alike prefer to interact with companies that make their health and safety a priority, and the Locator will help them easily find such companies.”
Participating businesses are invited to fill out a listing form providing an array of relevant information, including company name, products and services, location, contact information (including website address), social media links, hours of operation and employment opportunities. The listing form, which is free of charge to all Partnership members, can be found here.
Four More County Jail Inmates Test Positive for COVI-19, 121 Have Recovered
Four additional County jail inmates have tested positive for COVID-19. The four inmates are at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga. One of those inmates was a new arrest and determined to be positive for COVID-19 during their medical assessment when they arrived at the jail.
A total of 145 County jail inmates have tested positive for COVID-19. Many of the inmates are only experiencing minor symptoms of the virus. The infected inmates are in isolation, being monitored around the clock, and are being provided with medical treatment. Federal patient privacy guidelines restrict the release of additional information regarding the identity of the inmates or their medical treatment. One hundred and twenty one inmates have recovered from the illness.
All inmates continue to be provided with face coverings, cleaning supplies, soap, and are urged to wash their hands repeatedly throughout the day. They are routinely reminded of the need to practice social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Six department employees have tested positive for COVID-19 and are self-isolating at home. A total of 71 department employees have tested positive for COVID-19. Forty-three employees have recovered from the virus; other employees are expected to return to work in the next few weeks.
Latest Stats
11,797 Confirmed Cases (up 2.6% from the previous day)
249 Deaths (up 0% from the previous day)
132,984 Tested (up 2.2% from the previous day)
For more statistics from the COVID-19 Surveillance Dashboard, click the desktop or mobile tab on the County’s sbcovid19.com website.
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