COVID-19 Update: December 7, 2022

Increased Virus Transmission in the County

Virus transmission has increased in the Santa Barbara community over the last several weeks. The Santa Barbara County Health Department reports the dominant strain is BQ.1 in California and across the nation, with BQ1.1 following closely behind.

Despite case levels remaining low according to CDC definitions, confirmed PCR cases have increased by 65.5% in the community over the past seven days.

Test positivity has increased from 3% to 9.2% in the past month.

Image courtesy of the CDC and State Health Department

For more information on how to determine COVID-19 community levels, visit https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view?list_select_state=California&data-type=CommunityLevels&list_select_county=6083

In the week ending on 12/2, there was one death reported in the county.

Hospitalizations and ICU admissions remain low according to the Public Health Department. As of December 1st, there were 31 COVID-19 positive patients in local hospitals and six people in intensive care units.

Information courtesy of the Santa Barbara Department of Public Health

Stay Safe During Holiday Travel!

The county recommends that those who traveled during the Holidays get tested 3 to 5 days after their trip. Remember to mask up during travel and stay safe during this busy season!

Vaccine Update

Currently, 69.7% of the county has received their primary series of vaccinations, 58.9% have been vaccinated and received a booster shot, and 18.5% have received the updated bivalent booster vaccination.

Those aged five years and older are recommended to get the updated bivalent booster. Visit https://www.vaccines.gov/ to schedule your appointment.