Santa Barbara Covid-19 Cases Increase - We Have Resources!

“The rate of Covid-19 spreading is higher in Santa Barbara County than any other jurisdiction in California.” - Van Do-Reynoso

At a recent press briefing, Santa Barbara Public Health Director Van Do-Reynoso stated that Santa Barbara's Covid-19 case number was "grim" and "concerning". Due to travel, gathering, and mingling of social circles brought about by the holiday season, positive Covid-19 test results in our county have experienced an exponential rise.

“There have been 3,309 new cases in the past seven days in the county, for an average of 472.7 cases per day. In the previous seven days, the county logged 2,561 new cases, which is an average of 365.9 cases per day,” according to a recent article by Noozhawk.

However, there is a silver lining.

The distribution of Covid-9 vaccinations throughout Santa Barbara county has begun, accompanied by plans to open community vaccination clinics in the spring. Hospital staff, lab workers, and clinic and pharmacy personnel are among the first to have received their first dose of the vaccination. The vaccination is currently available to those who are 75+ years of age and will continue to those aged 65-74 when supplies allow. Residents can sign up to get county vaccination information by emailing vaccine@sbcphd.org or by calling the 2-1-1 call center with questions. For more information on when and where you can get your vaccination shot, please visit Santa Barbara Public Health Department’s website.

Santa Barbara County is also going back to purple tier status.

Governor Gavin Newsom lifted the statewide stay-at-home order just yesterday, January 25th. In the current purple tier status, some business sectors can now resume operations that were not previously allowed under the order. What are we most excited about? Outdoor dining is now allowed at restaurants! Remember to socially distance, wear your mask, and wash your hands thoroughly to keep yourself and others safe. Stay tuned for more purple tier information from us within the following weeks.

Updated Covid-19 Testing Site Information

(Santa Barbara Public Health Department’s Photo)