COVID-19 Update: December 16, 2022

Community Increase

Virus transmission has increased in Santa Barbara County over the past seven days, according to the Department of Public Health. BQ1.1 is the most dominant strain in the nation, with BQ.1 close behind.

The weekly average of confirmed PCR cases has increased by 43.4% in the week ending on 12/8. The county states that this is an underreporting of cases due to the use of rapid antigen home testing that goes unreported to the Health Department.

By CDC definitions, COVID-19 levels remain low in the community.

There were four deaths reported in the past week and 739 COVID-19 related deaths since the beginning of the pandemic.

Vaccine Update

In the county, 69.8% of residents have completed their primary series of vaccinations and 19.4% have also received the updated bivalent booster shot.

The bivalent booster is now approved for children aged 6 months and older.

To schedule your vaccine appointment, visit http://www.vaccines.gov/

Remember to stay safe and get vaccinated as we head into the winter months, as travel is increased and more gatherings are held indoors.