Most California counties remain in the most restrictive purple tier of the state's new COVID-19 monitoring system. | Credit: Courtesy

Despite steadily falling numbers, including hospitalizations and positive test rates, Santa Barbara County remains stuck in the top purple tier of the state’s new color-coded COVID-19 tracking system, meaning the virus is still considered “widespread” in the region and many nonessential indoor businesses remain closed.

Santa Barbara health authorities announced Tuesday a seven-day average case rate ― one of the key metrics of the new four-tiered system ― of 8.3 new cases per 100,000 county residents. That figure needs to drop to 7.0 for the county to enter the lower red tier and allow for more business reopenings. Officials noted Santa Barbara’s number was 9.0 on August 31. They expressed guarded optimism the region could reach 7.0 by the end of September.

Neighboring Ventura and San Luis Obispo counties remain in the top purple tier, as well. When the new system went into effect on August 31, 38 of California’s counties were purple, nine red, nine orange, and two yellow. Since then, five counties have dropped from purple to red.

Dr. Lynn Fitzgibbons, Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital’s infectious-disease expert, called the decreasing hospitalization rate in the area “a really tremendous win.” It’s been cut in half over the last couple of months, she said. Fitzgibbons also urged Santa Barbara residents to start preparing for the flu season by getting a flu shot and being mindful of their health. “Please, please, please take care of yourself now,” she said. “Think about ways to enter flu season as healthy and safe as possible so you and your loved ones can stay out of the hospital.”


At the Santa Barbara Independent, our staff is working around the clock to cover every aspect of this crisis — sorting truth from rumor.  Our reporters and editors are asking the tough questions of our public health officials and spreading the word about how we can all help one another. The community needs us — now more than ever — and we need you  in order to keep doing the important work we do. Support the Independent by making a direct contribution or with a subscription to Indy+.

Login

Please note this login is to submit events or press releases. Use this page here to login for your Independent subscription

Not a member? Sign up here.