Sixth COVID-19 Death in Santa Barbara County

By edhat staff

Santa Barbara County Public Health Department (PHD) is reporting its sixth COVID-19 related death.

The individual passed away at Lompoc Hospital and was in their 60s with underlying health conditions. They were not related to the COVID-19 outbreak at Lompoc Prison. As of today, there are 460 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

“Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of the individual who passed away. As our healthcare workers continue to treat COVID-19 patients inside our healthcare facilities, it is imperative for all of us to continue the fight against COVID-19 spreading in our community by adhering to the Stay At Home order as much as possible,” said Dr. Henning Ansorg, Santa Barbara County Public Health Officer.

One hundred twenty-six (126) people are recovering at home, Thirty-eight (38) are recovering in a hospital, thirteen (13) of whom are in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), two hundred seventy-eight (278) have fully recovered, and twelve (12) are pending an update. Six (6) deaths have been reported. More information on each case can be found here.

Overall, 60% of confirmed cases in the county have fully recovered, meaning the patients are no longer symptomatic or infectious and met the quarantine requirements.

A threat to Close Beaches and Parks

Earlier on Friday, the County of Santa Barbara issued a press release stating in an effort to prevent to spread of COVID-19, County beach, park and trail vehicle access and parking will be closed should parks become too crowded.

County Supervisor Gregg Hart stated the Sheriff’s Deputies, Lifeguards, and members of the Parks Department will monitor current situations and intervene if necessary. ensure people are apart healthy and staff. 

Hart did not directly answer if beaches, parks, trails will be closed altogether but stated this is an ongoing situation that will continually be monitored.

Allowing Golf and Church

Another press release was issued on Friday stating the PHD issued a “Stay Well at Home Order” clarifying restrictions on essential businesses and allowing faith-based gatherings, golf, and more.

PHD officials and Hart did their best to explain the overall restrictions in the county have not been eased or relaxed, per Governor Newsom’s order. However, in previous press conferences, Dr. Ansorg mentioned golfing and faith-based gatherings were not allowed.

Hart explained that local governments are not allowed to reduce, limit, or lessen Governor Newsom’s executive order. Local governments are allowed to impose stricter guidelines. For example, Ventura County previously closed its beaches and have just recently reopened them to the public. 

The latest health order states certain essential businesses may open with modified operations and social distancing protocols. Essential businesses are required to implement, prepare, and post a “Social Distancing Protocol” for each facility frequented by employees or the public. 

Cottage Health Numbers

Below is a status update as of April 24, 2020.  

• Cottage Health is caring for a total of 192 patients across all campuses.
• 144 are acute care patients; 229 acute care beds remain available.  
• In surge planning, capacity is identified for adding 270 acute care beds.
• Of the 144 patients, 11 patients are on ventilators; 59 ventilators remain available (adult, pediatric and neonatal ventilators)
• Of the 144 patients, 17 are in isolation with COVID-19 symptoms; 6 are confirmed COVID-19 positive.
• Of 17 patients in isolation, 8 patients are in critical care.
• Cottage has collected 2,669 cumulative test samples: 193 resulted in positive, 2,335 resulted in negative, and 141 are pending. In most of these tests, patients did not require hospital admission.