Source: Santa Barbara County Public Health Department
Santa Barbara County is reporting the highest daily rate of COVID-19, with 360 new positive cases today, Dec. 14, 2020. This rise in the number of cases falls just over two weeks after the Thanksgiving holiday, as expected by local health experts, and is directly related to gatherings of family and friends.
“Today’s number of positive cases surpasses any daily count we’ve seen to date, underscoring the predictions we’ve expected as people continue to congregate with those outside their immediate households,” said Van Do-Reynoso, Santa Barbara director County Public Health Department. “We are in a critical state of urgency and the availability of intensive care beds is rapidly declining.”
With the dramatic spike in positive cases, the public health department is working as soon as possible to contact anyone who just tested positive, but resources are being stretched further than previously seen, even with peak capacity plans. It is critical that the public help. If people have tested positive for the virus, they should take immediate action to stay home and isolate themselves from others, while following isolation guidelines and notifying others who have been in close contact with them.
“We have reached the number of cases that exceed all previous records,” said Do-Reynoso. “It is imperative that every individual takes action now and stays at home. We are reaching a point where we can see on the horizon that our healthcare system is inundated. We must take immediate action, as our decisions now see the price to be paid, and it costs the lives and well-being of our community members. “
For more information on the local impact of COVID-19, visit the website www.publichealthsbc.org or call 2-1-1.