New COVID-19 Positive Tests at County Jail

Update by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office

One Sheriff’s Deputy, two Custody Deputies and two inmates have tested positive for COVID-19. The Sheriff’s Deputy last worked on December 16, 2020, began experiencing symptoms December 18, 2020, was tested on December 19, 2020 and found to be positive for COVID-19 December 21, 2020. The deputy did not have contact with the public.

The first Custody Deputy last worked on December 17, 2020, became symptomatic on December 18, 2020, and was tested and found to be COVID-19 positive today. The second Custody Deputy last worked on December 18, 2020, became symptomatic on December 19, 2020, and was tested and found to be positive for COVID-19 today. Both Custody Deputies consistently wore a mask while at work. This brings the total number of Sheriff’s Office employees who have tested positive for COVID-19 to 69, with 50 having recovered and returned to work.

Two inmates were found to be positive for COVID-19 during the intake screening process. One of the inmates came into custody last night and the other was received today. Both inmates are being housed in negative-air pressure housing areas, separate from the general population.

Source: Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office

Five Sheriff’s Office employees and three inmates have tested positive for COVID-19. The Sheriff’s employees include a Sheriff’s Deputy, three Custody Deputies and a non-sworn employee. The Sheriff’s Deputy last worked on December 17, 2020, began experiencing symptoms yesterday, was tested and found to be positive for COVID-19 the same day.

All three Custody Deputies were found to be COVID-19 positive on December 19, 2020. One of the Custody Deputies last worked on December 17, 2020 while the other two last worked on December 19, 2020. All three were tested as part of ongoing employee surveillance testing.

The non-sworn staff member was tested as part of ongoing employee surveillance testing on December 17, 2020 and last worked on December 19, 2020. This brings the total number of Sheriff’s Office employees who have tested positive for COVID-19 to 66, with 50 having recovered and returned to work.

Three inmates were found to be positive for COVID-19. One of the inmates was housed in the intake quarantine area, while the other two were detected as part of the intake screening process and have since been released. The inmate that remains in custody is being housed in negative-air pressure housing area, separate from the general population.