County delays opening of personal care sector after concerns over increased COVID-19 cases

By Santa Ynez Valley Star Staff · Tue Mar 17 2020

By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department will not move forward in reopening expanded personal care service industries at this time due to a concern over higher COVID-19 positivity rates and hospitalizations, according to Dr. Henning Ansorg, Health Officer for Santa Barbara County. 

"We are striking a balance and everyone has to play their part to reduce the spread, COVID-19 is still very much a threat. The stay at home order is still in place and important," Ansorg said at Friday's press briefing. 

The increase in recent hospitalizations coupled with ongoing increases in COVID-19 positive cases have led to the County’s decision to pause reopening. 

Personal Care Services that must remain closed include, but are not limited to: