The City of Goleta is sharing the latest news from the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department:

• Second Positive Case of COVID-19 Confirmed in Santa Barbara County

• Bars, Nightclubs, Pubs, Wineries and Breweries Should Close Immediately; Restaurants Should Move to Take-Out / Delivery
  

Second Positive Case of COVID-19 Confirmed
in Santa Barbara County

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department (PHD) is confirming another positive case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a north county resident. This is the second confirmed case in Santa Barbara County.

The person identified is in their 50’s and does not have underlying health conditions. The individual is recovering in isolation at home until cleared by the Public Health Officer. PHD is taking steps to identify persons who may have had close contact with this person, including friends, family members, or health care professionals. PHD will monitor them and take appropriate measures, including testing for infection, if needed.

This person has no history of travel within or outside the United States, but did have contact with someone confirmed to have COVID-19. This second case did not have contact with Santa Barbara County’s first confirmed case. PHD will notify the public immediately should the investigation indicate any further action or if additional precautions are needed.

"The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department Barbara County is continuing to mandate social distancing measures to slow the spread of the virus. We are asking our residents to avoid unnecessary outings and practice diligent distancing of 6 feet or more between persons when in the community," shared Dr. Henning Ansorg, Health Officer for Santa Barbara County.

Symptoms of COVID-19 can include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Older adults and individuals with underlying medical conditions are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. Find more information about home care and current criteria used for COVID-19 testing countywide here.

Since human coronaviruses most commonly spread through respiratory droplets, community members are reminded to take measures to prevent the spread of respiratory illness:
• Wash your hands with soap and water
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay away from work, school or other people if you become sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough
• Keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant.

For more information about COVID-19 and PHD’s response, please visit publichealthsbc.org or call the County Call Center Monday through Friday 8a.m. – 5p.m. at (833) 688-5551.

Bars, Nightclubs, Pubs, Wineries and Breweries Should Close Immediately; Restaurants Should Move to Take-Out / Delivery

CDPH, Governor Newsom Issue Guidance for Food Facilities

Santa Barbara County bars, nightclubs, pubs, breweries and wineries should immediately close to the public under new guidance issued by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) on Tuesday. Restaurants and other food facilities offering on-site dining should immediately transition to only offering delivery or take-out service as part of the public health effort to slow the spread of coronavirus disease. The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department is urging local bars nightclubs, pubs, breweries, and wineries to comply with this request immediately and to cancel any planned St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or events.

The goal of the guidance is to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in communities. Bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and other food facilities are locations where people from many parts of the community gather, increasing the chances of transmitting the virus that causes coronavirus disease. While many bars, nightclubs and pubs traditionally hold events for St. Patrick’s Day, these are particularly dangerous at this point in the coronavirus pandemic, as they could result in widespread transmission of the disease in Santa Barbara County.

Grocery stores, markets and activities such Foodbank distribution sites are not being asked to close at this time as they provide critical services to the community. CDPH has provided social distancing guidance for these operations, such as ensuring at least 6 feet of space between groups of unrelated people while shopping or standing in line.

For more information or the complete guidance issued by CDPH, click here.