Plan for a Safe and Healthy Halloween
Contrary to rumors suggesting otherwise, Halloween is NOT cancelled this year! County public health officials just want to make sure everyone “exercise an abundance of caution” when enjoying Halloween this Saturday.
While some of the traditions normally associated with the holiday have been cancelled – specifically indoor social gathering events such as haunted houses or harvest festivals -- there have been many creative approaches to celebrating. Outdoor corn mazes, drive-in movies, scary hay rides and even a haunted car wash are among the several unique opportunities being offered this year.
And of course, there is the tradition of trick-or-treating. What is absolutely critical for anyone celebrating Halloween this year is to practice the safety protocols we are all familiar with. To help residents understand what this means, the county has produced guidelines explaining how trick-or-treating can be enjoyed safely, while also suggesting a variety of safer alternatives.
First and foremost, public health officials ask for any at-risk residents to simply avoid Halloween activities this year. That means anyone feeling sick or who may have been exposed to the virus, along with those at highest risk of serious illness, such as people who are immune-compromised, have pre-existing conditions or are age 65 or older.
This fun video reinforces some good advice for children. The County health guidelines include specific recommendations for parents planning to give out candy, or have their children go trick-or-treating.
- No home prepared treats; all candy should be individually packaged.
- Consider creative ways to safely dispense candy, such as setting up a table with individual items available for children to take.
- Move distribution away from a crowded porch or entryway.
- Allow families to approach a home individually without crowding.
- Do not approach a home that has its porch light turned off.
- Remember that a Halloween mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask, and may not provide enough protection.
The biggest fear this Halloween (and indeed the entire holiday season approaching), is to avoid unsafe gatherings of friends and family when someone might be carrying the virus but not showing any symptoms. Both San Bernardino and Riverside counties are in the most stringent tier of business closures because of a spike that began with the Labor Day holiday.
“We unfortunately have already seen how past holidays have led to noticeable increases in infection rates, so we are pleading with our county residents to be extremely cautious this holiday season,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Curt Hagman. “We are specifically urging residents to avoid many traditional activities and consider safer alternatives.”
 How to Vote This Week
Twice as many San Bernardino County voters have already voted in this 2020 Presidential General Election than had a week before the 2016 election. To avoid long wait times on Tuesday, Nov. 3, the Registrar of Voters recommends voters take advantage of the opportunity to vote early.
Six early vote sites are now open that allow registered voters to cast their mail ballot in-person at a COVID-safe location.
“One of the best things about California elections is that a voter can choose how, when and where to vote. All of these options are still available during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic so that voters can choose how they want to vote safely and securely,” said Registrar of Voters Bob Page. “Casting your mail ballot at an early vote site -- or dropping off your ballot at one of our 73 ballot drop-box locations -- is the best way to avoid lines and crowds at polling places on Election Day.”
Early vote sites open now through Election Day
Voters can bring their ballot with them to the following early vote sites, or choose to ask for a replacement mail ballot. First time voters can also register to vote and receive a ballot at an early vote site.
All locations are indoors and will be following COVID-safe guidelines such as mask wearing, social distancing and cleaning protocols.
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San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters Office
777 E. Rialto Avenue, San Bernardino
• Open now through Nov. 2 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Open Nov. 3 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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Town of Apple Valley Recreation Center
14955 Dale Evans Parkway, Apple Valley
• Open daily through Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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Joshua Tree Community Center
6171 Sunburst Street, Joshua Tree
• Open daily through Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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Toyota Arena
4000 East Ontario Center Parkway, Ontario
• Open daily through Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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San Bernardino International Airport Domestic Terminal
105 North Leland Norton Way, San Bernardino
• Open daily through Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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Hook Community Center
14973 Joshua Street, Victorville
• Open daily through Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ballot drop boxes
The County has 73 ballot drop boxes available as another safe option for voters to turn in their completed, and signed, mail ballots. Each drop box is securely bolted to the concrete and ballots are picked up regularly. Click here to find a convenient location.
Help Available Through the COVID-Compliant Business Partnership
San Bernardino County businesses and nonprofits can still receive up to $3,700 for participating in the COVID Compliant Business Partnership Program.
The program has funding of $2,500 for eligible small businesses with 1 to 100 employees, and an additional $1,200 per business to restaurants and retail stores that have been forced to move outdoors in response to State regulations (such as stores located inside indoor malls, as well as churches, fitness facilities and service businesses).
Other organizations that can participate include nonprofits with a storefront or physical space; sole proprietors whose business features a corresponding retail space or storefront; and home-based businesses (including home daycare centers) that service customers. Short-term rentals may also now participate, though at a lower level of funding.
To date, 5,537 locations have been funded, and nearly $12.5 million has been distributed to eligible small businesses or nonprofits for becoming a COVID Compliant Business Partner. To receive funds, small businesses in the County must first demonstrate compliance with State health orders and incorporate safety and social distancing practices in their daily operations.
The County launched its COVID Compliant Business Partner Program in May to support local small businesses while ensuring ongoing compliance with health orders and direction.
“We are absolutely committed to supporting our businesses through this national health crisis. We recognize that operating safely entails additional expense and we are doing what we can to help offset some of those expenses,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Curt Hagman. “It’s not too late! If you haven’t taken advantage of the program – and you’re committed being COVID-safe – don’t waste any time in applying.”
For more information about eligibility and to apply, go to https://sbcovid19.com/covid-compliant-business-partnership-program/.
County Residents Urged to Get the Flu Vaccine
San Bernardino County residents are urged to prepare for the upcoming influenza season by getting a flu vaccine, especially in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Getting a flu vaccine will not only reduce risk of illness, hospitalization, and even death, but will also help reduce the burden on our healthcare systems responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated,” said Dr. Erin Gustafson, County Interim Health Officer. “Early vaccination will provide protection throughout flu season and into the spring.”
Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that can cause mild to severe illness and at times can lead to death. Since the flu can affect all age groups, everyone six months of age and older should get a flu vaccine in early fall, just before the flu season starts in November.
To stop the spread of flu and other respiratory illnesses:
- Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and throw the tissue in the trash after use.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after a cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers may be used if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid close contact with sick people and stay home from work or school if you get sick and limit contact with others.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is also important to continue to avoid gatherings, wear a face covering, and keep six feet distance from others.
This is also the perfect time for residents to ensure they have received all needed vaccinations, especially older adults. Adults over the age of 65 are at higher risk of developing serious complications from flu, such as pneumonia and are highly encouraged to get the pneumococcal vaccine.
To find free flu vaccination clinics throughout the county, visit https://wp.sbcounty.gov/dph/flu.
The pneumococcal vaccine is available for those with no insurance or whose insurance does not cover the vaccine. To make an appointment for the pneumococcal vaccine, please call the Communicable Disease Section at (800) 722-4777.
Sheriff Update on Inmates and Employees Testing Positive for COVID
As of today, a total of 396 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. A total of 367 inmates have recovered.
A total of 212 department employees have tested positive for COVID-19; with 197 having recovered from the virus. The other employees are expected to return to work in the next few weeks.
Latest Stats
63,367 Confirmed Cases (up 0.9% from the previous day)
1,073 Deaths (up 0.1% from the previous day)
785,794 Tests (up 0.7% 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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