419 New COVID-19 Cases in Past Four Days

By edhat staff

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department reports 419 new COVID-19 cases and 8 deaths in the past four days.

On Saturday there were 154 new cases and five deaths. Four individuals were over 70 years of age and one individual was between the ages of 50-69 years old. All five individuals had underlying medical conditions and all five deaths were associated with an outbreak at a congregate facility. One person resided in Santa Maria and four in Santa Barbara.

On Sunday there were 135 new cases, 70 on Monday, and 60 on Tuesday. There were an additional four deaths reported on Tuesday as well. All four individuals were over 70 years of age, three had underlying health conditions, and none of the deaths were associated with an outbreak at a congregate-care site. The individuals lived in Goleta, Orcutt, and Santa Maria.

There have now been 376 of deaths in Santa Barbara County since the start of the pandemic.

There are currently 597 active cases including 106 hospitalizations with 21 in the intensive care unit (ICU). Santa Barbara County's ICU availability is now 43.4%

COVID-19 Vaccinations for Residents 65+

Beginning today, February 16, 2021, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department has opened vaccine eligibility to residents 65 years of age and older.

This expanded eligibility means that local health care providers, pharmacies, hospitals, and Public Health vaccination sites can open appointments to those 65+ once vaccines become available to them. Vaccine supplies are still very limited and health care providers are simultaneously ensuring those that received a first dose will also be able to receive a second dose. Appointments will be very limited initially but will become more available as more vaccine is expected to become available in the near future.

For established patients of health care providers administering vaccine, clinics will contact those that are eligible when vaccine appointments are available.

For those that are not established patients of a health care provider or those looking for other resources, pharmacies, hospitals, and Public Health community vaccine sites may have appointments becoming available in the next few weeks. The Public Health website lists all pharmacies and hospitals vaccinating. Appointment links will also be listed here when Public Health community vaccine sites have appointments available. There are currently no appointments available through the Public Health community vaccine sites.

Again, please not vaccine is still very limited and all locations vaccinating are also focused on administering second doses to those that are due.

For the latest information about vaccine availability, sign up for the COVID-19 vaccine newsletter.