|
America, and even our community, is very divided on how to respond to the strange times we are in. However, we must be united in concern about the futures of our children and grandchildren, preserving lives, and saving as many jobs and people from poverty.
How can we do all that?
We can take all the precautions that are recommended and now mandated. We can debate about whether the state mandates should be in place, but the only way to get our kids into school, save lives, and save businesses and therefore jobs is to reduce the County’s transmission and testing positivity percentage. To do that we need to mask-up, reduce opportunities for exposure, recreate and socialize outside and in less crowded conditions. We also need to isolate if we suspect we are positive, and get a hotel room if you live in a household in which isolation is not possible. Spreading to our own household has been a big source of our numbers. If you don’t have the money, we can assist (call 833-688-5551).
The Santa Barbara County Health Officer has issued a new Health Order to align with state guidance, which states that individuals in the County of Santa Barbara shall wear face coverings when in high-risk situations such as:
- In any indoor public space where other people (except for members of the person’s own household or residence) are present when unable to physically distance by six or more feet from those others (regardless of whether or not the space is publicly or privately owned).
- Obtaining services from the healthcare sector in settings such as a hospital, pharmacy, medical clinic, laboratory, physician or dental office, veterinary clinic, or blood bank, unless directed otherwise by an employee or healthcare provider.
- While outdoors in public spaces when maintaining a physical distance of 6 feet from persons who are not members of the same household or residence is not feasible.
- When waiting in line, whether indoors or outdoors.
- Waiting for, or riding, on public transportation or paratransit, or while in a taxi, private car service, or ride-sharing vehicle.
- Driving, or operating any public transportation or paratransit vehicle, taxi, or private car service or ride-sharing vehicle when passengers are present. When no passengers are present, face coverings are strongly recommended.
- Engaged in work, whether at the workplace or performing work off-site when:
- Interacting in-person with any member of the public;
- Working in any space visited by members of the public, regardless of whether anyone from the public is present at the time;
- Working in any space where food is prepared or packaged for sale or distribution to others;
- Working in, or walking through common areas, such as hallways, stairways, elevators, and parking facilities; and
- In any room or enclosed area where other people (except for members of the person’s own household or residence) are present when unable to physically distance by six or more feet from those others.
How Will Schools Be Able to Open?
Compliance with the face covering order is a crucial tool in our County’s ability to be removed from the State’s monitoring list. Now more than ever, we need to protect and respect ourselves and each other. We need our little ones to be able to receive education the way its meant to be, in a social and collaborative manner, and we need to provide parents the respite they need after juggling working from home and providing child care for so many consecutive months.
How can we get our kids back to in-person learning? The entire community has to collaborate to lower the number of COVID cases. This comes down to all of us doing the three things we know work to limit transmission of the disease:
• Keep physical distance of 6 feet from people who do not live with us.
• Use cloth face coverings when in public.
• Perform regular handwashing and cleaning of our environment.
• Avoid all gatherings (except with your own household members) and mixing of groups of people
• Avoid all travel
CDPH has created a waiver option for elementary schools to open for in-person classes. The option for a waiver is based on what we have learned about this disease. We know that young children, those under 10 years of age, do not transmit the disease at the same rate as adults and they do not get as seriously ill.
The waiver process requires a School Superintendent to consult with Labor, parents and community stakeholders. The Superintendent then requests a waiver from the County Health Officer. After those steps, the Health Officer would review the local epidemiology data with CDPH and get their approval to grant a waiver. It is not solely an independent decision by the local Health Officer. Given Santa Barbara County’s high rate of daily new cases and high positivity rate in testing, a waiver is not currently an option for consideration for the near future.
Santa Barbara County must significantly reduce new infections countywide to get our children back to in-person instruction in schools. In order to achieve this, all of us need to change our behaviors drastically as outlined above.
Seeking Residents for Citizen’s Independent Redistricting Commission
Residents of Santa Barbara County who are interested in and qualified to serve as a commissioner on the “You Draw the Lines”- County of Santa Barbara Citizens’ Independent Redistricting Commission have until August 21, 2020 to apply.
In the November 2018 Statewide General Election, Santa Barbara County voters approved Measure G that establishes an 11-person Citizens’ Independent Redistricting Commission to adjust the boundaries of the County supervisorial districts through an open and transparent process.
The commission will be tasked with establishing the electoral district boundaries in Santa Barbara County for the upcoming decade. Applicants meeting the qualifications will be posted online for public review.
To apply for the Citizens’ Independent Redistricting Commission, please review the qualifications and criteria posted with the application at www.countyofsb.org/redistricting. Applicants will be required to submit a printed copy of their completed application with an original signature no later than 5 p.m. Friday, August 21, 2020. Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered.
Click here to view the County Press Release
Take care,
Das
|
