Public Health Officer Orders Face Coverings and Electronic Only Religious Services

Big Bear, CA – UPDATE: 4/8/20, 5pm: The County Public Information Officer has addressed the need which has arisen for clarification of the Public Health Order and subsequent guidance issued Tuesday regarding religious services and face coverings. The County acknowledges the manner in which the order and guidance were created and disseminated created unintended consequences and hardships.  The specific references to drive-in religious services so close to major religious observances taking place during the next four days, for which organizations had already conducted considerable planning and incurred expenses, are clarified as follows: Organizations that have planned such services for the coming weekend should proceed with those services if they choose to do so and make every effort to prevent contact between congregants.  Regarding the use of face-coverings while driving, there is no need for drivers traveling alone or with members of their households to wear face coverings unless they must lower their windows to interact with first responders, food service workers, or others who are not members of their households. On the subject of enforcement, the public is advised that although violation of a health order is a violation of the California Health and Safety Code, the County does not expect law enforcement to broadly impose citations on violators. The expectation is that law enforcement will rely upon community members to use good judgment, common sense, and act in the best interests of their own health and the health of their loved ones and the community at large. The imposition of penalties on members of the public who willfully and grossly disregard public health orders by putting others at risk of exposure to this infectious disease is meant as a tool for law enforcement to use as a deterrent.
In an effort to protect the public from further spread of COVID-19, Dr. Erin Gustafson, the County’s Acting Health Officer has formally ordered everyone in San Bernardino County to wear a face covering when leaving home beginning on Wednesday, April 8th until further notice.  Face coverings may include coverings that secure to the ears or back of the head and encompass the mouth and nose. Homemade cloth ear loop covers, bandannas and handkerchiefs and neck gaiters may be used. All persons, including non-medical essential workers, are discouraged from using Personal Protective Equipment, such as N95 masks, for non-medical reasons. Surgical masks and N95 masks should be preserved for healthcare workers and emergency responders.  Additionally in today’s County order, faith-based services must be electronic only through streaming or online technology. People may not leave their homes for driving parades or drive-up services or to pickup non-essential items. Violation of the order is a crime punishable by up to a $1000 fine or imprisonment up to 90 days, or both. The San Bernardino County Public Health Department has conducted drive-thru COVID-19 testing events in San Bernardino and Victorville in recent weeks  The County has tentatively scheduled a drive-thru testing event for Friday, April 17 in Big Bear Lake. City officials are currently working with County public health officials, Bear Valley Community Hospital officials, the Big Bear Fire Department, the Sheriff’s Department, and others to finalize the details within the coming days.