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Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Air Quality Watch and More

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At (the Sept. 15) Board of Supervisors hearing, we received an update on COVID-19. Santa Barbara County remains in the purple tier according to the California Blueprint for a Safer Economy metrics. However, according to the graph below, we are getting closer to meeting the metrics of the red tier after recovering from the spike we endured in July.
Screenshot 2020-09-15 120927.jpg
Over the past four months, the state-run COVID-19 testing sites’ utilization has fluctuated based on the need of the community. These testing sites have seen lower utilization rates over the past few weeks which has left sites with open availability for testing. While we continue to emphasize the importance of those in higher risk environments receiving testing, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department (PHD) is now encouraging all community members to be tested. Learn more and make an appointment.
Air Quality Watch for Santa Barbara County in Effect
The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District issued an Air Quality Warning for Santa Barbara County to be in effect until conditions improve. At this time, air quality in Santa Barbara County is expected to continue being affected through the end of this week. An unprecedented number of large wildfires throughout California are producing significant smoke that is being held in the upper atmosphere and is reaching ground level throughout the state. This is a dynamic situation, and local air quality conditions can deteriorate quickly. Stay alert to local conditions by visiting www.ourair.org/todays-air-quality or fire.airnow.gov.

Levels of smoke and particles, and areas affected, will vary. If you see or smell smoke in the air, be cautious and use common sense to protect your and your family’s health. Everyone, especially people with heart or lung conditions, older adults, pregnant women, and children, should limit time spent outdoors and avoid outdoor exercise when high concentrations of smoke and particles are in the air.

When air quality reaches unhealthy levels, and/or if you see or smell smoke, we recommend that everyone:

  • Head indoors and remain indoors, as much as possible;
  • Avoid strenuous outdoor activity;
  • Close all windows and doors that lead outside to prevent bringing additional smoke inside;
  •  Avoid driving when possible and use “recycle” or re-circulate mode to avoid drawing smoky air into the car;
  • Drink plenty of fluids to keep respiratory membranes moist; and,
  • If you are an essential worker and must work outside during wildfire conditions, the use of a properly fitted N-95 mask provides protection.
Census 2020
14 Days left to make sure EVERYONE is counted!

 

NEW CENSUS DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 30

The last day to complete the Census is now September 30. The County of Santa Barbara has a 69% response rate so far. That means we have 14 days to increase our response rate by 30% to make sure EVERYONE is counted. There has been unprecedented fear about completing the Census this year and it is critical that people are aware that there is no question regarding citizenship on the Census and that it is against the law for your responses to be used against you. Census data will inform the distribution of more than $675 billion in federal funds across the United States to be used for schools, hospitals, roads, and other vital programs. We want to make sure we get our fair share. Please share info about the Census with everyone you know! Learn more.

 

Can’t find the Census materials dropped off or mailed to your home? Don’t have your 12-digit Census ID? Don’t want a Census Worker to visit your home? No problem!

 

It’s quick and easy to reply. Call 844-330-2020 or respond online now.

Take care,

Das