|
Santa Barbara County has our first confirmed case of COVID-19 (“Coronavirus”) in North County. The individual is being quarantined in their home. The case is believed to be from community transmission.
We have been made aware of the case due to an increase in our testing criteria and because we are testing more, it is likely that we will see an increase in more confirmed cases. This is a good thing – so that we know who has it and who does not and we can properly quarantine those who have it.
I have been working closely with our County Public Health to increase our testing capability and criteria. As of the most recent update, 15 people have been tested. We know at least 6 of those are negative, this one is positive, and we are awaiting the results of others.
Our County has been taking proactive measures in recent days to decrease the possibility of spread. On Thursday of last week, we declared a local health emergency and mandated the cancellation or postponement of all events of 250 people or more and have mandated social distancing of six-feet.
We have been hammering the message of washing your hands for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching your face or touching other people, coughing or sneezing into your sleeve or a tissue, and staying home if you are feeling sick at all.
All of these measures are meant to prevent the spread of the virus. Now is not the time to panic. Panicking does nothing to prevent the spread. Additionally, under reacting does not help the situation. It is necessary at this time to take the necessary precautions as listed above.
If you are planning to stay at home for the time being and stocking up on materials, please be mindful that others need supplies as well. The worst thing we can do right now is become individually focused. That is not how this community has gotten through and recovered from the multiple tragedies we’ve experienced.
Be aware, take precautions, and do your best to keep your stress level down. Stress can weaken your immune system so it is the exact opposite of what your body needs.
The CDC has some helpful tips on how to manage stress and anxiety during a pandemic:
- Take breaks from watching, reading, and listening to news stories.
- Take care of your body – stretch, meditate, eat healthy, get plenty of sleep
- Make time to unwind and do activities you enjoy
- Connect with others. Although we need to remain six feet away from each other, we have so much technology available to ensure we still have human contact and can talk to others about our fears and anxiety.
In addition to this information, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department Public Information Portal is updated daily and addresses manyfrequently asked questions.
Below is further information that I have sent out previously:
Q: At what point should we be tested?
A: If you are experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, and difficult or painful breathing, call your primary healthcare professional and maintain self-isolation for 14-21 days. If you have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you live in or have recently traveled to an area with ongoing spread, call your primary healthcare professional. Tell your healthcare professional about your recent travel or contact. Your healthcare professional will work with your local public health department to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19.
Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital virtual visits are available as an additional resource. No appointment needed. No waiting room.
Q: How many days between exposure and showing symptoms?
A: 4-6 days
Q: When do we stay home, and when do we have kids stay home?
o Cough
o Temperature
o Severe runny nose
o Difficulty breathing
o Body aches
Q: Do we have test kits in the County?
A: Yes
Q: How many beds do we have available if needed?
A: We have 62 airborne infectious isolation rooms throughout our five hospitals in the County. Cottage Hospital has 47 beds in “negative pressure isolation rooms,” meaning the air is treated and removed, with the capacity to add more if needed.
Q: What should I do if I’m worried about the cost of health care?
A: On March 5th the California Department of Managed Health Care directed full-service commercial plans and Medi-Cal plans to assure that their beneficiaries have zero cost-sharing, so individuals can seek any type of COVID-19 medical attention at no expense to them.
Q: How do I get groceries if I am self-quarantined and have no one else to deliver them?
A: There are various grocery delivery services such as Instacart that will deliver groceries directly to your home. I do not endorse Instacart or any other company but simply would like to share a resource available to those who require it.
Q: Will cruise ships be allowed to disembark passengers in the Santa Barbara Harbor?
A: Supervisor Gregg Hart and I have politely told the General Steamship Corporation to not disembark cruise ship passengers in the Santa Barbara Harbor until the CDC suspends its recommendation against cruise ship travel.
Most importantly, WASH YOUR HANDS FOR 20 SECONDS before eating, personal interactions, etc. Stay safe and healthy Santa Barbara County!
Das
|
