A Message From the Chairman - March 31, 2021

Chairman Hagman Newsletter

A Message From The Chairman

Over the last several weeks, we have made significant strides in our efforts to flatten the curve and start reopening certain sectors of the economy. This couldn't be accomplished without the efforts of our community members as well as the tireless efforts of our fantastic staff here at the County of San Bernardino.

Thank you for your support. Thank you for your sacrifices. Thank you for reminding me day in and day out how amazing our community is.

#SBCountyTogether

appointments

Vaccines NOW Available to Everyone 50+

San Bernardino County’s effort to vaccinate all of its residents has shifted into high gear, with appointments currently available to everyone age 50 and over.

In addition, anyone who accompanies an eligible family member to an appointment is also eligible (regardless of age) – but they must have an appointment at the same location and at approximately the same time as their eligible family member.

The decision to expand vaccine eligibility is a result of increasing vaccine supplies. California currently receives 1.8 million vaccines per week, which is expected to increase to more than 3 million per week by the end of April.

San Bernardino County has been making great progress in vaccinating its residents since Dec. 16, when we became one of the first counties in the California to receive and administer vaccines. Almost 28% of the county’s adults have been vaccinated (at least one dose) and almost 16% have been fully vaccinated, and that has been with limited eligibility.

People can make an appointment by visiting the county’s SBCovid19 vaccination webpage, and choose from county or state run sites, or several pharmacy options. Individuals are also encouraged to contact their physicians who might be able to schedule appointments through their health system.

COVID-19 Helpline offers assistance for appointments

Those who need further assistance in making an appointment can call the county’s COVID-19 hotline at 909-387-3911 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hours have been reduced by an hour in the evening to expand staffing and reduce wait times during the busier early-morning hours. Residents of San Bernardino County may also call the COVID-19 hotline for general information and resources about the virus, although the helpline is not intended for medical-related calls or questions.

Omnitrans

Omnitrans to Offer Free Vaccination Shuttles in Ontario and San Bernardino

Omnitrans is doing its part to help protect the health and safety of San Bernardino County residents by offering two FREE shuttle services to those with COVID-19 vaccine appointments in Ontario and San Bernardino. The vehicles used will be OmniAccess buses, which are ADA compliant and wheelchair/mobility device accessible.

Starting Monday, April 5, 2021 and continuing until further notice, two shuttles will serve two of the county’s largest vaccination sites – the Ontario Convention Center and Arroyo Valley High School in San Bernardino.

The Ontario Shuttle operates every 40 minutes, Tuesday through Saturday, between the Montclair Transit Center (MTC) and Ontario Convention Center, starting at 9:25 a.m. Pick-up/drop-off at MTC is located across from Foothill Transit’s Silver Streak stop. The San Bernardino Shuttle Operates every 30 minutes, Tuesday through Saturday, between the San Bernardino Transit Center (SBTC) and Arroyo Valley High School, starting at 9:40 a.m. Pick-up/drop-off at SBTC is located past the Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) bus bay, right after the driveway bend.

More information, including connections and specific arrival and departure times can be found here at http://omnitrans.org/vaccine.

Graduation

Graduation Ceremonies Now Allowed with Restrictions

Amusement Parks, Concerts, Sporting Events Can Also Proceed

Starting April 1, students, parents, and educators across San Bernardino County can once again enjoy the tradition of an in-person graduation ceremony, with specific restrictions. The new standards also apply to the reopening of amusement parks, live concerts and sporting events.

Specifically, outdoor venues (including sports stadiums and amusement parks), may open to 15% capacity outdoors and indoors (with time limits).  Graduation ceremonies, sporting events and concerts and will be permitted in venues that meet certain criteria, including:

  • The venue must be a permanent and fixed facility, focused around a stage round, field court, or other central area designed primarily for viewing entertainment or athletics by an audience.
  • The facility must either be open to the sky or have at least 50% of the total perimeter open — i.e., there are no walls, doors, windows, dividers, or other physical barriers that restrict air flow, whether open or closed.
  • Seat assignments must be marked clearly with at least six feet of distance between household groups.
  • There must be permanent or added barriers to create at least 12 feet of space between the audience and the stage.

“This is great news for anyone longing to see their child graduate from school, or just get outside and enjoy a concert or watch a ball game,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Curt Hagman. “This news is especially welcome now, as weather conditions make outdoor events particularly inviting.”

Other specifics regarding commencement/graduation ceremonies

“We’re excited that students, teachers, families and school administrators will be able to celebrate the milestone of graduation,” said Hagman. “But it is still important to remain cautious and take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

Such cautionary steps include:

  • Conducting ceremonies outdoors in open-air venues offering unrestricted airflow.
  • Requiring attendees to wear masks and maintain physical distance from others outside their immediate households. All attendees, including school staff, performers, students and families are counted toward any occupancy capacity limit.
  • Requiring attendees to sign up in advance of the ceremony, and limiting attendance to those who have pre-registered.
  • Screening (including self-screening) attendees for COVID symptoms, with schools establishing expectations according to public health guidelines.

If possible, districts and schools are strongly encouraged to send students their diplomas, caps and gowns prior to the ceremony so they can arrive dressed and with their diplomas in hand. Also, those schools planning to host multiple ceremonies during a single day must allow for at least two hours between ceremonies, which will help prevent attendees from separate events from mixing.

easter

County Approaching the Orange Tier, but Springtime Caution is Still Important

As we enjoy Spring Break and the upcoming Easter weekend, the county continues to show favorable numbers for case rates and hospitalizations, and officials say if positive trends continue, San Bernardino County could proceed into the Orange Tier very soon.

Yet officials are also cautioning that the pandemic is still with us — and that we all need to continue being careful to ensure conditions continue to improve.

“We seem to be improving rapidly, especially as we continue to vaccinate more and more residents every day,” said County Interim Public Health Director Andrew Goldfrach. “But to be honest, we’ve seen a plateau in the decline of COVID-19 cases recently, reminding us that we need to remain vigilant if we’re to keep the coronavirus at bay.”

Goldfrach wants to remind residents that those not yet “fully vaccinated” — meaning it’s been 14 days since their second shot of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine (or first shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine) — are still at some risk of either catching or spreading the virus. And everyone else not yet vaccinated needs to continue wearing face masks when indoors (and outdoors when social distancing isn’t practical), avoiding close contact with others, and washing their hands frequently.

“We’ve made excellent progress the past few weeks,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Curt Hagman. “We’re thrilled our residents will be able to celebrate this Easter with few restrictions, and that our weather outlook bodes well for small, mixed household outdoor gatherings. But let’s all remain cautious and keep safety top of mind until everyone has a chance to get vaccinated.”

Supervisor Hagman Hosts Shredding event Saturday May 1st 2021 in Chino

Chino Shredding Event

In honor of National Moving Month, San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman, in partnership with the City of Chino will be hosting a free document shredding event for all San Bernardino County residents.

The event will be on Saturday, May 1, 2021, from 9:00 AM to 11:30 PM or until the truck is full, at Chino City Hall located at 13260 Central Avenue.

Please note, face masks/coverings are required.

  • Documents will be shredded on-site
  • Limit of 3 standard filing boxes per vehicle
  • No CD's, DVD's, binders, plastics, x-rays, etc.
  • Receive tips from law enforcement on how to protect your identity

County Libraries Resume Regular Operating Hours

libraries 3

The County of San Bernardino is excited to announce that as we progress into less restrictive tiers that the County Library will resume regular hours of operation beginning April 10, 2021.  The Library will continue to offer curbside service (Library To-Go Services) to ensure residents have the option of entering the facility or receiving services and materials at the door.

Please note that joint use libraries are not included in this change and will remain closed. This includes the Cal Aero Chino Preserve, Carter, Kaiser and Summit branch libraries. We will continue to communicate with school district leadership and keep you posted on any new developments and potential reopening dates.

Please be assured that the library is taking all necessary precautions in creating a safe environment for customers and staff by adhering to CDC and state guidelines for reopening.

Latest Stats

290,954 Confirmed Cases                     (up 0.1% from the previous day)

4,011 Deaths                                        (up 0.3% from the previous day)               

2,700,929 Tests                                     (up 0.1% 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.

Want More COVID-19 Updates And Info?

Our dedicated communications team has put together an array of resources and information online related to COVID-19. The content ranges from COVID-19 case stats to resources for community members and businesses. Please be sure to check SBCOVID19.com regularly for the latest updates.

SBCounty Together

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