There is very new and important information on COVID-19 (“Coronavirus”). California Governor Newsom and the California Department of Public Health announced that large gatherings that include 250 people or more should be postponed or canceled. Smaller gatherings held in venues that do not allow social distancing of six feet per person should also be postponed or canceled. Santa Barbara County Public Health Department will be holding a press conference to communicate that we are taking the additional step of requiring what the state is advising. Additionally, Santa Barbara County has declared a Local Health Emergency for COVID-19. This is not a cause for panic, rather a measure to ensure we receive the resources necessary to keep our County safe. There are still NO verified cases of COVID-19 in Santa Barbara County.
In addition to this information, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department Public Information Portal is updated daily and addresses many frequently asked questions. 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 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, at least in the thousands. 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: Are there already people in Santa Barbara County who have been self-quarantined? A: Some people have been asked to self-quarantine due to locations they had traveled to. Most of those individuals have been cleared by now. 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 |
