COVID-19 Update: March 23, 2023

COVID-19 Update

The latest report from the Santa Barbara County Community Data Dashboard informs us that COVID-19 cases have gone down 18.2% in the week ending 3/16 with the test positivity rate sitting at 3.9% down 1.3% from the previous week.

Community levels remain low according to CDC definitions, as do hospitalizations with 14 patients currently in local hospitals and 1 patient in the ICU. There have been no COVID-19-related deaths reported in the latest update from the county.

Data Courtesy of SB County Public Health Department

CalFresh COVID-19 Allotments are Ending

Now that COVID-19 cases are winding down, CalFresh allotments will be, too.

The emergency allotments provided during the pandemic provided to eligible households are coming to an end. The last shipment will be in March 2023. To meet food needs during the pandemic, CalFresh provided temporary increases to regular CalFresh benefit amounts. Beginning April 2023, eligible households will only get their regular benefits. CalFresh serves 54,860 individuals and 32,512 households in Santa Barbara County.

CalFresh, known nationally as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) provides monthly benefits to households and individuals with low income, allowing families to afford more nutritious food. See if you are eligible to receive benefits on the CalFresh website.