By Raiza Giorgi
publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com
Of the 17 new cases of COVID-19 reported Saturday by Santa Barbara County Public Health officials, two of those were in the Santa Ynez Valley bringing the total for the area to 10.
Six of the 17 cases were from the outbreak at the Lompoc Federal Penitentiary; two in Santa Barbara and seven in Santa Maria. This brings the total to 1,418 total, however 900 of those are from the prison. The remaining 518 community cases, there are only 88 active while the rest have recovered.
There have been 11,845 tests done to date with 10,334 testing negative; 1418 positive and 93 are inconclusive.
There are three locations to get tested, with the Lompoc site having the most availability, according to public health. Screening and appointments are available between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Those who wish to make an appointment can visit https://lhi.care/covidtesting or call 888-634-1123. The test costs will be billed to health insurance, or will be free.
Santa Barbara County also released the RISE Guide, or Reopening In Safe Environment, that was developed by medical and public health experts and supported by feedback from many sectors of the community. They contend the RISE Guide was to create a science-based framework for residents, businesses and organizations by which to reopen in a staged manner, while prioritizing public health and protecting our most vulnerable populations.
“Governor Newsom makes the decision on when we move through the stages of reopening California, but it’s critically important that we are ready and prepared to safely reopen Santa Barbara County,” said Second District County Supervisor Gregg Hart, Chair of the Board at the Friday press briefing.
