SB County shows three new COVID-19 cases

By Santa Ynez Valley Star Staff · Tue Mar 17 2020

By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

Only three new cases of COVID-19 were reported by Santa Barbara County Public Health officials on Sunday afternoon. 

All of the cases were in North County with two in Santa Maria and one in Orcutt. The total cases are now at 471 with more than 320 who have fully recovered, which brings the active cases to 151. Of those 37 are recovering in a hospital with 13 of those in the ICU; 100 people are recovering at home and 7 are pending an update. 

Seven deaths have been reported, however one death reported on Friday afternoon the Star has questioned as public officials stated the death occurred at Lompoc Valley Medical Center, and LVMC officials said no death had occurred. Public health hasn't responded to several requests to clarify. 

Although most cases of COVID-19 exhibit mild or moderate symptoms, PHD recommends additional measures to prevent exposure among vulnerable people, including the elderly and those with underlying health conditions (such as diabetes, cancer, immunodeficiency, asthma, COPD and others). PHD recommends that residents, especially those who are vulnerable: