If you have been keeping track of the news lately, you may have realized that most travel is currently shut down across the country. Just because our spring has stalled out, for now, does not mean we will be in this situation for the foreseeable future. The best thing to do now is to comply with health guidelines laid out by the World Health Organization, CDC, and your local government bodies to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Big Bear and the rest of the world!
What We are Doing to Prevent COVID-19 in Big Bear
Our national administration is allowing individual states to determine their response to the COVID-19 outbreak. California has taken the situation seriously and was one of the first states to implement more restrictive measures. California is currently issuing out a stay-at-home order that requires all local citizens to stay indoors. However, you are able to leave for essential tasks such as heading to your job, caring for a relative, going to the grocery store, and receiving healthcare. Many businesses are currently shut down to prevent the spread of the virus. The California governor has identified essential businesses which can stay open. Essential businesses include grocery stores, gas stations, food markets and banks, restaurants that have switched over to take-out only, essential government buildings, and a few more. You will find that large venues that normally see people congregate close together are closed until further notice. These types of venues include gyms, bars, nightclubs, salons, dine-in only restaurants, and public event centers.
Make Sure to Stay 6 Feet Away in Public
Much of the closures issued by the governor’s office are given to follow CDC recommendations of staying more than 6 feet away from others. Individuals may not know they have contracted COVID-19 until several days after initial contact. Make sure to keep your distance from others when in public and stopping in an essential business. While the recommendation is for 6 feet of space, it is ideal to be cautious and keep your distance much further. While the CDC, or Center for Disease Control, has shown that 6 feet is an ideal length to stay away from COVID-19 particles that come out from coughs and sneezes, some believe it can travel much further.
Additional Advice from the CDC
Staying 6 feet apart in public is not the only advice the CDC issued out when they believed that COVID-19 was going to be a global issue. Their research has shown that COVID-19 can actually stick to surfaces for approximately 14 days or more. This means that it is time for some spring cleaning. Make sure to clean frequently used areas often such as your kitchen and bathroom. Whenever you are bringing home groceries you cannot be too careful; wash off any produce you purchased with soap and water. When visiting your local market, you may have noticed that most cleaning supplies are frequently sold out. If you begin to run low, you can always make your own cleaning solution at home. All you need is a bottle of rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Both agents are used for cleaning scrapes and cuts. They can be slightly diluted with water to make an effective cleaner. The CDC recommends a 70/30 rubbing alcohol to water ratio at a minimum to effectively kill COVID-19 on contact.
Watch Out for the Elderly
One of the frequent criticisms of the drastic measures taken towards the COVID-19 outbreak is the high recovery rate. While most individuals who contract COVID-19 will recover, it is especially dangerous for individuals over the age of 50 or those who have preexisting health conditions. This means you need to keep in mind when you are around older individuals. Most visits for elderly care homes are currently closed. Keeping this mindset during your grocery shopping is important. While your home may need additional cleaning supplies, they can make a critical difference to those hiding out from contracting a virus that does have the potential to be more lethal to them.
Help Your Local Businesses
The governor’s order to close all non-essential businesses may put some people out of a job. Help support your local businesses during COVID-19 in Big Bear. Your local take-out restaurants may be barely keeping up with having their staff on the payroll. Choose a local restaurant whenever ordering food to go. The same can be for beverages. Local breweries may still offer their adult beverages to go and are a better choice to support than big-name companies found in your grocery stores. Help support your area so that a bright future will be ahead.
Big Bear Lake Will Be Waiting
Just because you cannot travel now does not mean you cannot look ahead to an exciting vacation to Big Bear Lake. We will be here every step of the way to prepare you for a hard-earned vacation after we all get through COVID-19 in Big Bear together.
