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As we head into a new week, we have increasingly detailed information to share and resources we hope will aid you during this time of continued uncertainty and stress, whether you are looking for ways to help, want to support our local economy, or need assistance due to lost wages.
This is an especially tough time for our local businesses. While many restaurants have closed their doors, others are offering a full or limited menu for takeout and/or delivery. Check out this guide compiled by Visit Santa Barbara to learn what’s available. Restaurant and grocery delivery services are available here.
To date, the total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Santa Barbara County is 68. The total number of tests completed is 706, with 505 negative results, 132 pending, and 1 inconclusive.
Number of confirmed cases by city or area:
South County Unincorporated (Montecito, Toro Canyon, Carpinteria, Summerland): 9
City of Santa Barbara: 25
City of Goleta: 2
Community of Isla Vista: 0
Unincorporated Area of Goleta Valley & Gaviota: 1
Santa Ynez Valley: 2
City of Lompoc: 2
City of Santa Maria: 20
Community of Orcutt: 5
North County Unincorporated Areas (New Cuyama, Sisquoc, Casmalia, Garey, and City of Guadalupe): 2
Total: 68
Number of cases by age range:
0-17: 2
18-29: 14
30-49: 17
50-69: 30
70+: 5
Of the 68 cases, 45 are recovering at home, eight (8) persons are recovering in a hospital, six (6) of which are in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), fourteen (14) have fully recovered, and one (1) is pending an update.
We know that this is an incredibly difficult time if you’ve lost your job, income or work hours due to the coronavirus. The way that you can access government’s economic relief available for workers is by completing an application for Unemployment Insurance. I recommend getting to know the new Economic Recovery page on the County’s COVID-19 Public Information Portal.
There are multiple ways to file for Unemployment Insurance:
Online: You can file a claim online here
By-phone: Representatives are available at the following toll-free numbers, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon Pacific Time except on state holidays.
- English 1-800-300-5616
- Spanish 1-800-326-8937
- Cantonese 1-800-547-3506
- Mandarin 1-866-303-0706
- Vietnamese 1-800-547-2058
- TTY 1-800-815-9387
By Mail or by Fax: File your UI claim by accessing the paper Unemployment Insurance Application. For faster and secure processing, fax the completed application to the number listed on the form. If you mail your application, use the address on the form and allow additional time for processing.
How to Apply for UI Benefits (File a Claim) (YouTube)
On Friday, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. Known as the “Paycheck Protection Program,” the initiative provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses who maintain their payroll during this emergency. Importantly, these loans may be forgiven if borrowers maintain their payrolls during the crisis or restore their payrolls afterward.
For many, the best way to get away from the frustrations and stress of this crisis is to help others. If you are outside the at-risk population, you can volunteer for a partnership between Bucket Brigade and the County to staff Food Bank (help distribute food) and PATH (People Assisting the Homeless), which needs volunteers to help prepare food at the shelter. Sign up to volunteer here.
Santa Barbara County Food Bank is hosting additional food distributions in order to meet the growing need in the community caused by COVID-19. All sites are implementing social distancing practices to ensure the food you receive is safe! Many locations offer a drive-thru option to minimize contact, and others are scheduling food pick-up appointments for individuals to prevent crowds. Check the website for the most current information about distribution sites.
To donate to the United Way of Santa Barbara County’s COVID-19 Response Effort, please click here. To request information about individual financial assistance, please click here.
We strongly urge people 65 and older to self-isolate completely. Either get a friend/family member to shop for you or use a grocery delivery service.
What do I do if I’m experiencing symptoms?
A: if you are experiencing any upper respiratory symptoms (cough, sore throat, sneezing, shortness of breath, or fever) the best thing for you to do is behave as if you have the virus and self-isolate until 72 hours after freedom of symptoms.
If you want to see or talk to a doctor about your symptoms, please CALL AHEAD. Do you not go into any health care facility while experiencing these symptoms.
If you do not have insurance, our County Health Clinics and Neighborhood Clinics are available to you. Again, CALL AHEAD.
Please take of yourselves and each other!
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