COVID-19 Update: July 9, 2022

Santa Barbara is now using the California Department of Public Health’s data for COVID-19 information. The dashboard is still available to the public but contains less localized information in regards to age groups and area of residence for people who have tested positive.

The most dominant strains on the southern West Coast and in the US are BA.4 and BA.5. Covid is still highly transmissible here in Santa Barbara County and across the nation.

In the week ending on July 7th, test positivity increased by 0.6% and the weekly average of reported PCR cases has increased by 10%.

Test positivity is underreported due to increased rapid antigen home testing.

Hospitalizations have been increasing in the county and ICU admissions are on the rise according to County data.

The week ending July 7 reported 4 coronavirus related deaths.

Vaccines

Children aged 6 months to 4 years became eligible for the vaccine two weeks ago. Public Health recommends parents check with their pediatricians about ensuring a vaccine for kids in that age group.

County officials still strongly recommend wearing a highly protective mask-a KN95 or N95- in public indoor settings.

There is not yet any vaccine data for the newest age group of 6 months to 4 years.

The County reports 73.1% of residents have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.