7/28 - In Response to New CDC Guidelines, CDPH Recommends Masking for Public Indoor Settings to Slow the Spread of COVID-19 and the Delta Variant  

In response to the spike in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, and new CDC guidance calling for masking measures to prevent the spread of the highly transmissible and deadly Delta variant, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) updated its Guidance for Face Coverings, recommending mask use for indoor public settings, regardless of vaccination status.

Under the CDC’s new guidance, more than 90% of California’s population is currently in areas designated as substantial or high transmission.

According to the CDC, getting vaccinated helps protect from the virus and the circulating variants, including the Delta variant that is now seen in the majority of California’s new cases.

California continues to work to increase vaccination rates across the state. This week, California took the nation-leading step of requiring state and health care employees to provide proof of vaccination or submit to regular testing. California had also led with its K-12 school guidance, requiring universal masking and other prevention measures as schools fully open for the upcoming school year.

CDPH is continuing to motivate businesses and local communities to encourage vaccination to prevent new outbreaks in areas of substantial and high transmission.

COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and free. Unvaccinated Californians can go to myturn.ca.gov or call (833) 422-4255 to schedule their appointment or go to myturn.ca.gov/clinic to find a walk-in clinic in their county.

See CDPH’s Face Coverings Q&A to learn more about where masks are still required or recommended.

6/21 - Masks in daily life  

• Vaccinated people do not need to wear masks, except in the following settings where masks are required for everyone:
  • Public transit
  • Healthcare settings (including long term care facilities)
  • Indoors in K-12 schools, childcare, and other youth settings
  • State and local correctional facilities and detention centers
  • Homeless shelters, emergency shelters, and cooling centers

• Unvaccinated people are required to wear masks in indoor public settings and businesses, like:
  • Retail
  • Restaurants
  • Theaters
  • Family entertainment centers
  • Meetings
  • State and local government offices that serve the public

See CDPH’s Face Coverings Q&A to learn more about where masks are still required or recommended.

Read Get the Most out of Masking to learn how a mask can best protect you.

 

Mask-wearing exemptions

The following individuals are exempt from wearing masks at all times:

See complete mask exemptions details at CDPH’s Guidance for the Use of Face Coverings.

• Children under two years old, due to the risk of suffocation.
• People with:
  • A medical condition, 
  • Mental health condition, or 
  • Disability that precludes wearing a mask. 
• This includes:
  • Those for whom a mask could obstruct breathing
  •  Who are unconscious or incapacitated 
  • Unable to remove a mask without assistance
• People for whom seeing the mouth is essential for communication:
  • Hearing impaired, or 
  • Those communicating with a person who is hearing impaired.
• People for whom wearing a mask would create a risk as they work, as determined by:
  • Local, state, or federal regulators, or 
  • Workplace safety guidelines.

 

Masks in the workplace

Cal/OSHA has aligned workplace mask requirements with general mask guidance from the CDPH.

• Masks are not required outdoors (except during outbreaks), regardless of vaccination status. Workers should be trained for outdoor use of face coverings.
• Fully-vaccinated employees do not need to wear masks indoors. Employers must document employees’ vaccination status. 
  • There are some settings where masks are required regardless of vaccination status. In outbreaks, all employees must wear masks indoors and outdoors when six feet of physical distance cannot be maintained.
• Employers must provide unvaccinated employees with NIOSH-certified respirator masks for voluntary use when:
  • Working indoors, or 
  • In a vehicle with others.

For more information, see Cal/OSHA’s COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS).

 

6/17 - Cal/OSHA board votes to end face mask requirements in the workplace for vaccinated employees

Cal/OSHA regulators decided Thursday to allow fully vaccinated workers to take off their masks while at the workplace, conforming with California's general state guidelines that took effect on June 15.

The newly revised guidelines now align with the California Department of Public Health, which ended most mask rules for people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Here are the masking guidelines for workplaces under the new rules:

• Vaccinated employees are not required to wear masks while indoors, except for the places where California still requires masks to be worn by all people
• Unvaccinated employees must still wear face masks in indoor settings
• Face masks are not required for vaccinated and unvaccinated workers while outdoors

Employers will need to document who is vaccinated in their workplaces, but they are not required to retain copies of vaccination cards. Instead, they can allow employees to self-attest to full inoculation.

Cal/OSHA's guidelines require approved face coverings, such as N95 masks, to be given to unvaccinated workers who request them rather than have them physically distanced.

Regulators added that businesses can choose to be more strict when it comes to masking.

Officials said the state was going to make a month's supply of masks available to employees, which some business owners told the board during Thursday's public comment portion of the meeting that was not enough.

Physical distancing requirements will be lifted, except if a work facility has a coronavirus outbreak. The guidelines say that all employees, regardless of vaccination status, will need to wear face masks if their workplaces see a surge in COVID cases.

Vaccinated employees will no longer be required to miss work to quarantine if they come into contact with someone who contracted COVID-19.

The guidelines also lift prohibitions on sharing personal items or work equipment. Instead, regulators say employers should implement more cleaning protocols and evaluate their ventilation systems.

Employers will need to make COVID-19 testing available to unvaccinated employees when they have symptoms.

 

6/16 - San Bernardino County Is Fully Open for Business and Tourism 
San Bernardino County, along with the rest of the state, is now fully reopened — eliminating various restrictions and saying farewell to the color-coded county tier system. San Bernardino County officially met the qualifications for the Yellow Tier this week, which is moot given all restrictions are now lifted.
 
Restaurants, bars, retail stores, theaters, hotels and entertainment centers may return to usual operations — meaning no capacity limitations and no requirements for social distancing.
 
All of California's restrictions on travel outside the state will be lifted, and the state says it is not considering creating a vaccine passport.
 
Masks still required for the unvaccinated, travelers and health care settings
Fully vaccinated people can now resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, with some exceptions.

• Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals are still required to wear facial coverings outside of their home. The unvaccinated should only take off their masks in public when they're outside and can maintain 6 feet of distance with others.
• Masks are still required in public travel situations including planes, buses, trains, subways, airports and transportation hubs. The TSA will be strictly enforcing mask requirements.
• Other places where vaccinated people will still need to wear masks include health care settings, prisons, homeless shelters and schools.
• In addition, private businesses may choose to continue requiring facial coverings.

And of course, anyone is free to wear a mask anytime they’d like, especially when around children and others who are vulnerable or not yet eligible for vaccination.
 

6/10 - State Reopens June 15 with Vaccinations Up, and Infections Down 
San Bernardino County, along with the rest of the state, will fully reopen its economy on June 15 — eliminating various restrictions and saying farewell to the color-coded county tier system we’ve been living under for the past several months.
 
Beginning next Tuesday, everyday life here will largely return to pre-COVID norms. Restaurants, bars, retail stores, theaters, hotels and entertainment centers may return to usual operations — meaning no capacity limitations and no requirements for social distancing.
 
All of California's restrictions on travel outside the state will be lifted, and the state says it is not considering creating a vaccine passport.
 
“This is a day we’ve all been waiting for,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Curt Hagman. “While we have been through one of the most challenging periods in our County’s history, I’m very proud of the way we’ve pulled together as a community — with everyone from hospital workers and grocery clerks to local business owners working together to protect each other and overcome this pandemic.”
 
The question of masks
On June 15, California will align with the revised mask guidelines recently announced by the CDC. This states: “Fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.”
 
This means while fully vaccinated individuals won’t need to wear face coverings in most indoor and outdoor settings, they will still be required to wear a mask on planes, buses, trains, airports and transportation stations. Other places where vaccinated people will still need to wear masks, include health care settings, prisons, homeless shelters and schools. In addition, private businesses may choose to continue requiring facial coverings.
 
And of course, anyone is free to wear a mask anytime they’d like, especially when around children and others who are vulnerable or not yet eligible for vaccination.
 
Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals will still be required to wear facial coverings outside of their home. Unvaccinated Californians, can only take off their masks in public when they're outside and can maintain 6 feet of distance with others.
 
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, better known as Cal/OSHA, is still mulling what the masking rules will be for workplaces in the state starting on Tuesday.
 
Also, what the state deems “mega events” — outdoor live events attended by more than 10,000 people and indoor events with 5,000 or more attendees — still face some restrictions. Those attending indoor events must either be vaccinated or have recently achieved a negative COVID-19 test. The same guidelines are recommended (though not mandated) for outdoor events. Businesses and venue operators may require proof or self-attestation at point of registration, during ticket purchase or on the day of the event prior to entry into the venue. The mega event requirements will remain in place until October 1.

6/4 - The Ontario Recreation & Community Services Department is opening up soon for in-person programming!  Following the recent announcement that California will move beyond the Blueprint for a Safer economy, Recreation & Community Services will begin its phased reopening plan to bring back in-person community services and programming to our residents!

Beginning Monday, June 7, the Ontario Senior Center will reopen from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM for the in-person daily senior meals program (Monday – Friday).  Reservations are required and can be made by calling the Ontario Senior Center directly at (909) 395-2021.

On June 21, all Community Centers will welcome residents back to our programs.  These will be the following hours for each Community Center through July 30: 

• Armstrong Community Center: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
• De Anza Community & Teen Center: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Dorothy A. Quesada Community Center: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Ontario Senior Center: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Veterans Memorial Community Center: 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
• Westwind Community Center: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Community Centers will begin to phase in classes and events over the next few months.  For updated information on programs, events and classes, please visit www.OntarioCA.gov/Recreation or contact the Recreation & Community Services Department at (909) 395-2020.

6/4 - The Ontario Museum of History & Art will fully reopen on Tuesday, June 15. No appointments necessary. Gallery hours are Thursday - Sunday from 12 PM - 4 PM. For information on upcoming programming, please visit www.ontariomuseum.org or call (909) 395-2510.

5/17 Vaccines are now available for ages 12 and up. Visit https://sbcovid19.com/vaccine/ for more information.

4/6 - San Bernardino County officials have announced that every County resident aged 16 and older is now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. The decision means thousands of additional residents may now schedule an appointment to receive one of the three FDA-approved vaccines.
                    
Residents ages 16 and 17 can only receive the Pfizer vaccine, the only vaccine currently approved for people under 18, and in San Bernardino County Pfizer is available only at the County’s public health sites and the State’s OptumServe sites. They will also need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to receive the Pfizer vaccine. (Again, the Moderna and the Johnson & Johnson vaccines are available only to those who are 18 years and older.)
 
More than 800,000 vaccinations have been administered to San Bernardino County residents, according to the COVID-19 Surveillance Dashboard on the County’s COVID-19 website. The vaccines have been administered through County-run sites and a variety of independent providers such as hospitals, physician practices and major pharmacies. To schedule an appointment, please visit the County vaccination page or call the COVID-19 helpline at (909) 387-3911, Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 7 PM. The COVID-19 helpline hours will narrow to 9 AM to 6 PM starting Monday, April 12, to allow for additional staffing during the busier morning hours.

4/6 - Life in San Bernardino County is getting back to normal, with officials reporting the County has moved from the Red Tier into the less restrictive Orange Tier of the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy. Beginning tomorrow, April 7, a variety of institutions and businesses may now open to 50% capacity — a notable increase from the Red Tier’s limit of 25%. And some businesses, like bars and bowling alleys, can now reopen for the first time in over a year.
                        
Any bar in San Bernardino County may now open for outdoor service. Movie theaters, museums, and restaurants may double the number of guests allowed inside. Wineries and breweries can allow patrons to enjoy their beverages indoors. And outdoor stadiums can open at 33% capacity.
 
The Orange Tier means the spread of COVID-19 has now reduced to a moderate level, as the number of cases continues to decline. As of Monday, the County’s daily adjusted rate was 3.4 per 100,000.
 
The following is allowed under the new Orange Tier, all with modifications. For a complete listing of what can open in the tier and with specific capacity and modifications, see this updated activity tier from the California Department of Public Health.

• Retailers, malls, and grocery stores can operate at 100% capacity with modifications
• Museums, zoos and aquariums can open indoors at 50% capacity
• Movie theaters can now open with 50% capacity or 100 people
• Hotels can now open their indoor pools, and fitness centers at 25% capacity
• Gyms can now be at 25% capacity, including climbing walls and indoor pools
• Restaurants can open indoors at 50% capacity or 200 people (whichever is fewer)
• Wineries, breweries and distilleries can open indoors at 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer.
• Bars may serve customers outdoors (regardless if serving food)
• Family entertainment centers can open indoors at 25% capacity for naturally distanced activities like bowling and rock-climbing walls
• While telework is still encouraged for non-essential offices, they can reopen in-person staffing
• Outdoor professional sports stadiums can have audiences up to 33% capacity (up from 20%)
• Theme parks may reopen at 25% capacity
   

3/12 - County Moves into Less-Restrictive Red Tier on Sunday. County officials are reporting welcome news: with vaccination rates rising and COVID-19 cases declining, San Bernardino County will transition from the State’s most restrictive Purple Tier, where it has been since last August, to the more open Red Tier on Sunday, March 14. 

Further details on activity and business tiers can be found here.

• Gyms will be allowed to open indoors at 10% capacity
• Retailers and malls can operate at 50% capacity
• Hair and nail salons can continue to operate indoors with modifications
• Restaurants can operate indoors at 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer
• Movie theaters can reopen at 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer
• Museums, zoos, and aquariums can reopen indoors at 25% capacity
• Libraries can open at 50% capacity
• Outdoor live events can resume at 20% capacity (effective April 1)
• Amusement parks can reopen at 15% capacity and small group restrictions (effective April 1)
• Schools may reopen fully for in-person instruction following re-opening guidance. Local school officials will decide whether and when that will occur.

Porter emphasized that, while improving numbers are allowing the County to proceed into the Red Tier, residents should not let up on the behaviors that have helped us achieve this success. “We encourage you to enjoy the additional opportunities created by our move to the red tier, but please remember to keep wearing face coverings, washing your hands, maintaining physical distance from others, and avoiding large social gatherings,” he said. “We’ve made huge progress but we’re not out of the woods yet.”
 

2/23 - Vaccine eligibility now open to all teachers, support staff and licensed child care providers. Make an appointment at sbcovid19.com/vaccine or make arranges through your school district. 

 

2/4 - Ontario Convention Center opened as a vaccination site starting February 4, and will continue to operate from 10 AM to 6 PM Tuesday - Saturday. Appointments are required

Appointments can be made at www.sbcovid19.com/vaccine. If you have trouble with online registration, please call the County’s information hotline at (909) 387-3911 from 9 AM to 8 PM, Monday - Friday to make an appointment.
 

1/25 - Regional stay-at-home orders have been lifted. 

As a result of the announcement, the following guidelines will be implemented immediately:

• In-person gatherings, which were previously prohibited, are now permitted for up to members of three households.
• Restaurants, which previously were limited to take-out and delivery, may now provide outdoor dining. (Limited indoor dining remains prohibited until the County reaches the red tier.)
• Hair and nail salons, barbershops, and other personal services may now reopen with limited capacity.
• Grocery stores may expand capacity to 50%, compared to 35% under the prior restrictions. Other retailers may increase capacity from 20% to 25% capacity.
• Hotels and other short-term rental lodging can serve non-essential patrons with restrictions.
• Museums and zoos can resume outside operations.

A complete list of business and recreation allowances can be found at www.covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy.

 

Visit covid19.ca.gov for more information.

12/10 -  Outdoor playgrounds are reopening after a short closure due to the Regional Stay-at-Home Order, which remains in effect. Please remember to wear a mask and socially distance so we can slow the spread.

 

12/5 - ICU availability in the Southern California region has now dropped below the governor's mandated 15%. This now triggers the latest Stay at Home Order. This order goes into effect this evening and must be enforced within 24 hours per the governor.

The following sectors will be required to close within 24 hours.

• Indoor and outdoor playgrounds
• Indoor recreational facilities
• Hair salons and barbershops
• Personal care services
• Museums, zoos, and aquariums
• Movie theaters
• Wineries
• Bars, breweries, and distilleries
• Family entertainment centers
• Cardrooms and satellite wagering
• Limited services
• Live audience sports
• Amusement parks

 

The following sectors will have additional modifications in addition to 100% masking and physical distancing:

• Outdoor recreational facilities: Allow outdoor operation only without any food, drink or alcohol sales.
  • Additionally, overnight stays at campgrounds will not be permitted.
• Retail: Allow indoor operation at 20% capacity with entrance metering and no eating or drinking in the stores.
  • Additionally, special hours should be instituted for seniors and others with chronic conditions or compromised immune systems.
• Shopping centers: Allow indoor operation at 20% capacity with entrance metering and no eating or drinking in the stores.
  • Additionally, special hours should be instituted for seniors and others with chronic conditions or compromised immune systems.
• Hotels and lodging: Allow to open for critical infrastructure support only.
• Restaurants: Allow only for take-out, pick-up, or delivery.
• Offices: Allow remote only except for critical infrastructure sectors where remote working is not possible.
• Places of worship and political expression: Allow outdoor services only.
• Entertainment production including professional sports: Allow operation without live audiences.
  • Additionally, testing protocol and “bubbles” are highly encouraged.

 

The following sectors are allowed to remain open when a remote option is not possible with appropriate infectious disease preventative measures including 100% masking and physical distancing:

• Critical infrastructure
• Schools that are already open for in-person learning
• Non-urgent medical and dental care
• Child care and pre-

11/19 Governor Newsom issued a Limited Stay at Home Order to slow the spread of COVID-19. The order states "Non-essential businesses and personal gatherings are prohibited between 10 PM and 5 AM beginning Saturday, November 21 at 10 PM."

This order applies to all counties in the purple tier and will be effective until December 21, 2020. Read more information on this order here.

 

10/8 The City of Ontario is complying with the State guidelines on youth sports and tournaments. Per these guidelines, City of Ontario fields are closed to sporting events and tournaments at this time. City of Ontario parks and playgrounds continue to be open for passive use.

Consistent with the July 20, 2020 announcement of the California Interscholastic Federation, this document provides guidance for all youth sports programs—including school-based, club, and recreational programs—to support a safe environment for players, coaches and trainers, families, spectators, event/program/facility managers, workers, and volunteers. Read full guidance here. 

 

10/8 The City of Ontario is complying with the State guidelines on youth sports and tournaments. Per these guidelines, City of Ontario fields are closed to sporting events and tournaments at this time. City of Ontario parks and playgrounds continue to be open for passive use.

Consistent with the July 20, 2020 announcement of the California Interscholastic Federation, this document provides guidance for all youth sports programs—including school-based, club, and recreational programs—to support a safe environment for players, coaches and trainers, families, spectators, event/program/facility managers, workers, and volunteers. Read full guidance here. 

 

9/30 State announces new guidelines for reopening playgrounds. This guidance provides direction on usage of outdoor playgrounds and outdoor recreational facilities (hereafter facilities), to support a safe environment for children and families. It applies to outdoor playgrounds located in parks, campgrounds, and other publicly accessible locations. This guidance does not apply to indoor playgrounds or family entertainment centers. Visitors to outdoor community playgrounds must comply with the following requirements:

• Face masks over the mouth and nose are required for everyone 2 years of age or older with caregiver supervision at all times to ensure face mask use.
•  Do not use the playground when different households are unable to maintain a physical distance of 6 feet or when the capacity limit has been reached.
• Caregivers must monitor to keep adults and children from different households at least 6 feet apart.
• Consider coming on different times or days to avoid wait times and potential crowded times.
• No eating or drinking in playground, to ensure face masks are worn at all times.
• Wash or sanitize hands before and after using the playground. 
• Elderly and persons with underlying medical conditions should avoid playground when others are present.
• Limit visit to 30 min per day when others are present

 

9/1 On August 31st, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a Statewide COVID-19 Tenant and Landlord Protection Legislation. “New law includes targeted protections for tenants to shield them from evictions due to COVID-19-related back rent through February 1, 2021 Extends anti-foreclosure protections in the Homeowner Bill of Rights to small landlords.” More information can be found here.

8/28 Beginning Monday, 8/31 hair salons and barbershops may reopen indoors. Find out what activities are open by visiting the Blueprint for a Safer Economy website.

7/20 New Guidelines released allowing hair salons and barbershops to operate outdoors. 

7/13 Governor Newsom today ordered additional restrictions in counties on the state monitoring list, which includes San Bernardino County. Counties that have remained on the County Monitoring List for 3 consecutive days will be required to shut down the following industries unless they can be modified to operate outside or by pick-up. 

• Fitness centers
• Places of worship
• Offices for non-essential sectors
• Personal care services
• Hair salons and barbershops
• Malls

The following sectors are still closed:

• Dine-In Restaurants (take-out and delivery are allowed)
• Wineries & Tasting Rooms
• Movie Theaters
• Family Entertainment Centers
• Zoos & Museums 
• Cardroom
• *Bars must close ALL operations

7/1 Effective immediately, CA Public Health is requiring counties that have been on the County Monitoring List for at least 3 days (Contra Costa, Fresno, Glenn, Imperial, Kern, Kings, Los Angeles, Merced, Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Joaquin, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Solano, Stanislaus, Tulare, Ventura) to move certain sectors outdoors or close. Sectors to close:

• Dine-In Restaurants (take-out and delivery are allowed)
• Wineries & Tasting Rooms
• Movie Theaters
• Family Entertainment Centers
• Zoos & Museums 
• Cardroom
• *Bars must close ALL operations

6/26 In an abundance of caution due to recent increases of COVID cases in the past few days in San Bernardino County we have decided to postpone the reopening of the Ovitt Family Community Library until after the Fourth of July holiday. Please visit OntarioCA.gov/VirtualCenter for programs and videos. 

6/22 Press Release. Ovitt Family Library to Reopen on June 29, 2020 with limited services. 

6/18 New Release: Governor Newsom issued a public health order requiring mandatory use of face coverings statewide starting today. Situations and exceptions are listed in the guidance here. 

6/15 City Hall is now open to the public. Face coverings & social distancing are required. Appointments are still available.

6/9 On Friday, June 12, California will allow schools, day camps, bars, gyms and other sectors in San Bernardino County to begin reopening. The following are the guidance for sectors that will be allowed to reopen this Friday:

• Bars and wineries
• Family entertainment centers
• Museums, galleries and zoos
• Fitness facilities
• Campgrounds
• Hotels
• Satellite wagering facilities

5/27  In observance of Memorial Day, there will be no construction activity on Monday, May 25. NEW DATE! SATURDAY JUNE 6 AT 10:00 P.M. THROUGH JUNE 7 AT 10:00 A.M. I-10 will be closed between Euclid Avenue and 4th Street for the demolition of the Sultana Avenue Bridge. See full details here.

5/26 Beginning on Thursday, May 28^th, the City of Ontario has partnered with the San Bernardino Department of Public Health to provide free COVID-19 and antibody testing for all San Bernardino residents, including those who are asymptomatic. Registration is required and an appointment can be made through the link here. The testing clinic will be open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. through at least the end of June and is located at the Ontario Convention Center North facility at 1947 Convention Center Way.

5/25 The County today announced the reopening of places of worship with new State-specified guidelines. Under the new State guidance, issued this morning, places of worship can hold religious services, including funerals, if attendance is limited to 25 percent of a building’s capacity, but no more than 100 attendees. View full news release here. 

5/23 San Bernardino County is moving through the accelerated Stage 2 phase of reopening.  As of today, retail stores, malls, and dine-in restaurants can open with COVID compliant modifications. View the full press release here. 

5/22 The City of Ontario has created two new programs with CARES Act Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to aid qualified low-income Ontario residents in recovering from the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. Click here to learn more and to apply for these programs.

5/18 Construction Alert: On May 29 at 10:00 p.m. through May 30 at 10:00a.m., I-10 will be closed between Euclid Avenue and 4th Street for the demolition of the Sultana Avenue Bridge. See full details here.  Project has been rescheduled for June 6 & June 7.   

5/15 Press Release: The City of Ontario Announces Summer Cancellations, Virtual Programming Alternatives

5/12 Feeding America, in partnership with the Toyota Arena and City of Ontario, is hosting an Emergency Drive-Thru Food Distribution Pop-Up Event on Friday, May 15 at the Toyota Arena. For more information, see flyer here.  

5/11 County Press Release. Per the county of San Bernardino, face coverings are no longer required but highly recommended. Employers can require face masks for employees and businesses can also require masks upon entering. 

5/4 Watch tomorrow's (May 5th) City Council Meeting online. For more information and how to watch, click here.

4/30 San Bernardino County Department of Public Health (DPH) is testing by appointment only at the Ontario Health Center (150 E. Holt Blvd., Ontario) which provide services for underserved and vulnerable populations. To learn more about the Health Center’s patient qualifications and how to make an appointment, visit http://wp.sbcounty.gov/dph/programs/clinics/patient-access-referral/.

4/28 The State of California Employment Development Department (EDD) has begun a mass hiring effort of essential workers due to COVID-19. To get the latest job announcements and apply for positions, visit the EDD LinkedIn account here. 

4/28 The City of Ontario and the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health will be hosting a COVID-19 drive-through testing site on Monday, May 4^th at the Toyota Arena. This testing is free and for all community members who have at least one COVID-19 symptom like fever, cough, or difficulty breathing and will be by appointment only. You can make an appointment starting April 29^th at 10 .m. by going to sbcovid19.com or calling 909-387-3911. Please remember that by order of the County health officer everyone is required to wear a mask while in public and when not in a car. 

4/23 Whispering Lakes is now taking reservations for golf starting Saturday morning. For more information about Golf course activities contact Whispering Lakes via  https://whisperinglakesgolf.com/ or by phone at (909) 923-3673.

4/23 City of Ontario Parks, including dog parks, will be open starting Saturday, April 25. Parks open for passive recreational use only. Restrooms, playgrounds, courts, & sports fields remain closed. Please observe social distancing. See a list of our parks here. 

4/21 Watch tonight's City Council Meeting online. For more information and how to watch, click here.

4/16 Free Mulch giveaway scheduled for April 17 and 18 has been canceled. 

4/15 New local food resources added to the "Grocery, Retail & Restaurant Store Times" dropdown below.

4/9 The Next City Yard Sale Weekend (May 1, 2, and 3) has been cancelled. For more information on yard sales, visit our Yard Sale Information page. 

4/8 Press Release: Ontario Imposes Temporary Moratorium on Evictions During Coronavirus Crisis

4/8 County News Release: Clarification of Religious Services and Face-Coverings Order

4/7 County News Release: REQUIRED: Public Health Officer ORDERS Face Covering

4/2 County News Release: Public Health Officer Recommends Face Coverings During Essential Outings

4/1 County Press Release: Governor Newsom Announces Agreement Between Teachers, Classified Employees and School System Management to Support Student Instruction During COVID-19 Outbreak

3/30 Press Release: Ontario Urges Extreme Vigilance as COVID-19 Outbreak Grows; 5 Confirmed Case in the City 

3/30 Conditions Related to the COVID-19 Quarantine and Housing of Individuals at Hotels and Motels Within the City of Ontario

3/26 News Release: SoCal Gas Warns Customers About the Rise of Utility Scams During COVID-19. 

3/25 For a complete listing of open essential businesses (Grocery, Retail & Restaurants) in Ontario, visit our Interactive Map: Ontario Open For You.

3/24 News Release: Tax Collector Mason will Grant Penalty Relief for Property Taxpayers.

3/23 Effective today all City playgrounds, public restrooms & outdoor workout equipment are closed to the public. Trails and park green spaces are still open to the public but please observe CDC's minimum recommended social distancing of 6' from other persons at all times.

3/22  City Hall is open by APPOINTMENT ONLY. It is closed to the general public. To make your appointment online, please click here. Without an appointment you will not be able to access City Hall. Social distancing will be enforced.

3/20 Memorandum on identification of essential critical infrastructure workers during COVID-19 response.

3/20 For questions about the Stay At Home order from Governor Newsom, or any other questions about COVID-19, please call our hotline number at (909) 988-3650. For normal business questions to the City of Ontario, please call our front desk at (909) 395-2000.

3/19 Earlier this evening, California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued an order requiring all people living in California to stay home except to get food, care for a relative or friend, get necessary health care, or go to an essential job. If you do need to go out, keep at least 6 feet of distance from others. For more information about this order including what is an essential job or service, visit Covid19.ca.gov 

3/19 Check out our new Virtual Community Life & Culture Resource Center! Your plan for fun, education and resources while we practice social distancing. Check back daily for new content! 

3/19 Call the San Bernardino County Hotline at (909) 387-3911, for COVID-19 public information. This hotline is available Monday thru Friday, 9am - 5pm. This hotline is for public information only. Please contact your health care provider for medical related inquiries.

3/19  For updated shopping hours, including senior only shopping hours, click on the "Grocery & Retail Store Times" dropdown below.

3/18  After extensive discussions with federal, state and local officials, The Ontario Mills announced it will be temporarily closed. This measure will take effect from 7pm local time today and will end on March 29. 

3/18  Order of the Health Officer of the County of San Bernardino Canceling All Gatherings. Read Order Here. 

3/18  During this current epidemic, the City of Ontario will be suspending Utility shut-offs, penalties and late-fees. This is in conjunction with the guidance received from the Governor’s Executive Order N-28-20 that was announced recently. 

3/17  Temporary changes have been made to the Senior Lunch Program. Meal packages will be distributed at the Senior Center between 11 am and 1 pm for you to take home. More information here. 

3/17  Effective Immediately, the City of Ontario will be closing all Community Centers, Libraries and the Ontario Museum of History & Art. These facilities will be closed until further notice. Read more below in the "Facilities Closures" dropdown. 

3/16 Tomorrow's City Council Meeting (Tuesday, March 17 at 6:30 pm) will be practicing social distancing with limited amount of seats. We encourage you to stream tomorrow's meeting online here.

3/15  The City of Ontario has officially moved into Phase 2 after the first confirmed case of Coronavirus in San Bernardino County. This phase emphasizes containment measures to prevent further spread of the outbreak in the region when there is at least one confirmed case residing in the county. This case may or may not be due to community spread, but precautions should be taken to prevent additional local spread of the disease, especially to vulnerable populations. To read more about our Phases, click on the dropdown below: "What is the City Doing?"

3/15  All City owned Fitness Centers at City facilities will be closed beginning Monday, March 16. All Tot and Senior Programs at all City facilities will be cancelled beginning Monday, March 16.

3/14. The City of Ontario has declared a local state of emergency in anticipation of regional Coronavirus diagnoses and in order to completely mobilize our organization to best serve the Ontario community. Please monitor the City's website and social media for news and information regarding changes to facility/office hours of operation. 

3/13  In accordance with the closure of Colony High School, Lewis Family Branch Library will be closed until April 6. 

3/13  CVUSD announces closure of the district's 35 schools until May 1. More information here.

3/13  MVSD announces closure of schools until May 1. More information here.

3/13  Chaffey Joint Union High School District will be closed until May 1. More information here.

3/13  All City Passport Services are temporarily suspended effective May 1.

3/13/20  OMSD announces closure of all schools until May 1. More information here.

The Coronavirus is a respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei province of China. This virus most likely originally emerged from an animal source but now seems to be spreading person-to-person.  For confirmed Coronavirus infections, reported illnesses have ranged from people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying. Symptoms can include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. The CDC believes at this time that symptoms of the Coronavirus may appear in as few as two (2) or up to fourteen (14) days following exposure to an infected individual.

COVID-19 Updates

• Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
• CDC 
• California Department of Public Health 
• San Bernardino County 

 

The City of Ontario is implementing a phased response approach to the COVID-19 outbreak with specific actions or considerations associated with triggering events. These actions are based on interim guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). In a Public Health Emergency, however, the San Bernardino County Public Health Officer may direct orders that supersede that guidance and this plan.

 

Phase 1: Confirmed community spread in the United States 

This phase is characterized primarily by additional planning being taken to prepare for the outbreak potentially spreading to the local area.

• Mass gatherings/large community events will be identified, and organizers will monitor the situation to make judgment calls on rescheduling or canceling.
• Emergency Management will monitor situation updates and progression of the issue.

 

Phase 2: Confirmed case in San Bernardino County 

This phase emphasizes containment measures to prevent further spread of the outbreak in the region when there is at least one confirmed case residing in the county. This case may or may not be due to community spread, but precautions should be taken to prevent additional local spread of the disease, especially to vulnerable populations.

• Mass gatherings or large community events should be cancelled or rescheduled (over 250 people).
• Alternative Senior Meal service delivery will be implemented.
• Non-essential meetings will be cancelled, rescheduled or held virtually.
• First responders (and other field personnel as appropriate) will deploy Personal Protective Equipment on calls as appropriate.

 

Phase 3: Confirmed community spread in Ontario CURRENT PHASE

At this stage, community spread is likely ongoing and containment is no longer the objective. Mitigation efforts will be instituted to prevent further transmission of the virus within the community.

• Mass gatherings or large community events will be cancelled or rescheduled (over 50 people).
• Community Centers, Libraries, and Museum will be closed and will implement alternative service delivery for essential services (senior meal distribution, online classes, book reservations, etc.). 
• City Hall and other City offices' hours may be adjusted and alternative service delivery measures may be implemented.(permit issuance, in-person bill payment, in-person business license issuance, etc.).
• In-person meetings may be cancelled and/or transitioned to teleconference only.
• Alternative service deliveries will be considered and implemented as appropriate for all public-facing essential functions, including the prioritization of life safety calls in Ontario Police & Ontario Fire dispatch, adjusting street and park maintenance schedules, and the closure of some City facilities. 

 

Phase 4: Resolution of epidemic/pandemic

There is reduction in the increase of daily active cases in the latter phases of disease progression. As the risk is reduced, containment and mitigation efforts may also be reduced.

• Rollback of safety measures will occur in reverse order of implementation.

City Hall is now open to the public.

School District Updates:

• CVUSD More information here.
• MVSD  More information here.
• Chaffey Joint Union High School District More information here.
• OMSD  More information here.

Ontario International Airport (ONT)

Flying out of ONT? Here's what you need to know. 

Helpful Resources

For Employer and Employee Resources, visit our Economic Development Department webpage. 

Has your employment been affected by the recent CoronaVirus Pandemic? Visit EDD for more information.

The State of California Employment Development Department (EDD) has begun a mass hiring effort of essential workers due to COVID-19. To get the latest job announcements and apply for positions, visit the EDD LinkedIn account here. 

​​​​Stay Informed. Follow the City of Ontario on Social Media. 

 

 

Senior Hotline

For more information about the senior meal program, or any other questions, contact the Ontario Senior Hotline at (909) 395-2021

Senior Exercise

Try out Lite Moves for Seniors,

Chair Yoga is a great and gentle way to stay active.

Apps for Seniors

A guide to home care, communication, food delivery and health monitoring tools

Helpful Information

• SoCal Gas Customer Information 
• SoCal Gas Warns Customers About the Rise of Utility Scams
• Southern California Edison Budgeting Assistance
• Southern California Edison Bill Assistance 
• Southern California Edison Community Resource Guide

Online Resources

• Pay your Water Bill Online
• Online Police Reporting
• Business License Renewal

For a virtual experience of our Community Life & Culture, check out our new resource page!