As fresh snow falls, Big Bear sheriff warns that snow play is prohibited under stay-at-home order
BIG BEAR, Calif. - As significant snow is expected to fall in mountainous regions of Southern California this week, the Big Bear Sheriff is warning residents that snow play is prohibited under the governor's stay-at-home order.
The sheriff took to Twitter Tuesday to tell residents in Big Bear Valley to refrain from hitting the slopes this week as state officials urge residents to shelter-in-place in order to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
The sheriff's department stated that ski resorts, snow play areas, public lots and on-street parking in the City of Big Bear Lake are closed.
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According to the National Weather Service, 6 to 12 inches of snow is expected at elevations between 4,000 and 6,000 feet, while 12 to 24 inches could fall at higher elevations, particularly in the San Gabriel Mountains.
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To date, there have been three confirmed coronavirus cases in the City of Big Bear Lake and two in the Big Bear City area. As of Monday night, San Bernardino County reported a total of 530 confirmed coronavirus cases.
More than 5,600 coronavirus tests had been administered to residents across the county, and approximately 9.3% of those tested have been positive for COVID-19. At least 16 people have died from the coronavirus in San Bernardino County, however, none of the reported COVID-19 deaths are believed to be individuals from the Big Bear Valley.
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