COVID-19 Update: May 18, 2022

COVID Death Toll Reaches One Million

Across the United States, flags were flown at half mast to memorialize the now 1 million Americans who have died from COVID-19.

In California, 90,219 people have died from COVID and the death toll in Santa Barbara County stands at 687.

The Surge Continues

There were 204 new cases as of May 19th, a 91% increase from the past two week average. Active cases in the county are currently sitting at 887, still quite low compared to January, but steadily increasing.

Hospitalizations remain somewhat low compared to the winter surge, but are also up from the past two week average. As of today there were 22 hospitalizations and 1 death.

Data courtesy of the Santa Barbara Department of Public Health

News in the County

A third round of free COVID-19 rapid tests are available by mail, this time there will be eight kits, four boxes with two tests each. Order the free tests by inputting your address at https://special.usps.com/testkits.

Residents 75 and older still hold the highest percentage of vaccinations with 89% fully vaccinated, 6% partially vaccinated and only 5% still unvaccinated. The lowest is the 5-11 age group with 30% fully vaccinated and 6% partially vaccinated. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is approved for use in children 5 and older.

The FDA reports that due to the rare risk of blood clots, they are limiting the use of the Johnson&Johnson vaccine and advise people to get the Moderna or Pfizer instead.

Find more COVID-19 information on the Public Health Department website.