 County’s EEE Program Gets Favorable Response from Businesses
The County’s Education, Engagement and Enforcement (EEE) plan has gotten off to a rousing start, with officials from Environmental Health Services (EHS) visiting almost 1,650 businesses during the program’s first two weeks. The response from business owners and managers has been overwhelmingly favorable.
The County’s EEE program was developed to help local businesses understand the steps they need to take to comply with various state mandates, all of which are designed to limit spread of COVID-19. While the program largely focuses on high-risk businesses such as bars, restaurants and gyms, the EHS team has also responded to citizen reports of businesses that appear to be ignoring public health mandates.
“The vast majority of business operators appreciate that our team members are taking the time to explain various requirements for operating safely and in a COVID-compliant manner,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Curt Hagman. “They are especially appreciate that we provide a variety of suggestions for implementing protective measures, with practical solutions for their particular facilities.”
Officials are closely coordinating efforts with the cities within the County, many of which are assuming responsibility for reaching out to businesses within their own jurisdictions. The County itself plans to visit more than 2,000 businesses by the end of next week.
“In addition to other benefits, this campaign has also enabled us to share information on the County’s COVID Compliant Business Partnership Program,” said Hagman, who added that several business owners have acknowledged the value they’ve received from the program.
A very small number of business operators – less than 3% - continue to defy COVID safety directives.
“Unfortunately, a small handful of business owners continue to resist following safety guidelines, so we’ve had no choice but to refer them to the State, which will follow through with enforcement measures,” said Hagman. “While the numbers are few, we’re still disappointed that some have chosen not to work with us in helping to get the County off the State monitoring list.”
The California Department of Public Health is requiring all counties in the state to meet six specific criteria in order to continue reopening different business sectors. These criteria include new positive cases, hospitalizations and ICU admissions and others.
 State Offers Waiver Program for Elementary Schools to Open
Last week, the state unveiled a process by which public, private and charter elementary schools could seek clearance to conduct in-person instruction if they meet certain criteria.
On Aug. 4, just hours after the state announced the requirements, the County Department of Public Health created the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health Elementary Education Waiver Packet and posted it on the County’s COVID website. Later that day, the County Superintendent of Schools and County Public Health provided the waiver packet, which includes the waiver application form, to all elementary schools and districts.
Twelve other schools in the county, all private, have also applied for waivers. However, the state has temporarily suspended consideration of waiver applications until it can resolve issues with its data system.
In his message to elementary schools and districts, County Public Health Director Corwin Porter advised that the state recommends that schools within San Bernardino County not be considered for a waiver because the novel coronavirus case-to-population ratio in the county is greater than 200/100,000, but that schools can apply for a waiver nonetheless if they believe an exception should be made.
“There may be some unique circumstances in our very large and diverse county that you feel still warrants consideration for a waiver,” Porter told the schools. “In this case, school districts and schools who still wish to apply for a waiver, can submit their plans to the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health for review and consideration.”
Meanwhile, this week the state, under new interim public health leadership, changed its posture on school waivers from discouraging data-driven exceptions within high-caseload counties to partnering with counties while still reserving final word on waivers.
 Coping with Heat During a Pandemic
We don’t need to tell you how hot it can get in San Bernardino County and throughout Southern California, and forecasters are saying this current triple-digit heat wave is unlikely to break within the next week to 10 days.
But the extreme weather does not eliminate the need to socially distance or to wear a mask when in close contact with others. At the same time, however, it’s important to recognize that wearing masks, while essential for mitigating the spread of coronavirus, can make things worse for some people.
Matthew Levy, D.O., M.Sc., an associate professor of emergency medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, advises people to be especially cautious when going outside, particularly if they have a respiratory condition or other underlying health problems. He also said that people shouldn’t try to cool themselves by dousing their mask or face covering in water, since that can compromise their filtration capabilities.
The best idea is to stay inside as much as possible. It’s especially important to avoid being outside (or at least skip any strenuous activities) during the hottest time of day — generally between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Limit your exposure to the sun, and if you do go outside, take frequent breaks, find shade, wear light clothing and a hat, and use sunscreen.
The County website has this list of indoor cooling centers, each with their own operating hours and restrictions. With conditions constantly in flux due to COVID-19, be sure to call the venue before visiting. Seniors should take advantage of the Senior Information and Assistance Hotline at 1-800-510-2020.
Following are some additional tips for keeping cool while helping prevent the spread of COVID-19:
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water, even if you aren’t thirsty, and avoid dehydrating beverages such as caffeine and alcohol. And please don’t share water bottles or canteens, which can spread the virus.
Take steps to prepare your home if you don't have air conditioning. Cover any windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, or even sheets. You might consider making temporary window reflectors, such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to place between windows and drapes. Taking a cool bath or applying a wet towel to your forehead can help you stay cool when it’s hot indoors.
Never leave children, pets or adults alone in closed vehicles. The temperature inside a parked vehicle can rapidly rise to a dangerous level for children, pets, and adults. Leaving the windows slightly open does not significantly decrease the heating rate.
Recognize the potential dangers of excessive heat. Know the signs and symptoms of heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and heat cramps, and call 9-1-1 if you or a loved one is experiencing them.
Children, older adults and pets tend to be more vulnerable to extreme heat, so monitor family members and connect virtually with friends, family, and neighbors to make sure they’re okay. This is especially important for those that don’t have air conditioning.
Extreme hot weather can be a real inconvenience at any time and can be particularly challenge during this pandemic. Be careful, and take the necessary steps to protect your health — and the health of others.
More County Jail Inmates Test Positive for COVID-19; Three Additional Sheriff’s Employees
A total of 263 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. Two hundred thirty-eight 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.
Three additional department employees have tested positive for COVID-19 and are self-isolating at home. A total of 163 department employees have tested positive for COVID-19. One hundred forty-nine employees have recovered from the virus; other employees are expected to return to work in the next few weeks.
Latest Stats
39,374 Confirmed Cases (up 1.6% from the previous day)
561 Deaths (up 0.5% from the previous day)
307,320 Tested (up 1.7% 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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