COVID-19

Twelve Sheriff’s Office, County, and medical contract employees are self-quarantined in their homes after being exposed to a person who later tested positive for COVID-19.

[Update]: The Santa Barbara County Superior Court has suspended all non-emergency services effective March 17, 2020 – April 3, 2020.

The Santa Barbara Public Defender’s Office is calling for the immediate release of people who are currently detained in the Santa Barbara County jail and at heightened risk of contracting COVID-19.

Santa Barbara County bars, nightclubs, pubs, breweries, and wineries should immediately close to the public under new guidance issued by the California Department of Public Health on Tuesday.

In an effort to keep shelter animals, staff, and the community safe during the COVID-19 outbreak, Santa Barbara County Animal Services has modified operations and created a proactive plan to mitigate unnecessary gathering of people.

Santa Barbara County Public Health Officials confirmed a second positive case of the novel-coronavirus Tuesday morning.

Santa Barbara County health officials confirmed they are awaiting the test results for 96 people who may have the coronavirus.

The City of Goleta proclaimed a local emergency and is implementing enhanced measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Santa Barbara City College announced in-person and on-campus operations are suspended until the end of March while instruction moves online.

If coronavirus news in recent weeks has made you feel more anxious and fearful than normal, you’re not alone.

The Chumash Casino in the Santa Ynez Valley announced Sunday they fully close through the end of the month amid coronavirus concerns.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has called for people over 65 years of age to self-quarantine and for bars to close due to the spread of novel coronavirus.

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department is confirming the first positive case of coronavirus disease 2019 in a north county resident.

Social isolation can carry concerns for emotional impact but there are many strategies to lesson negative emotional impact and even positive opportunities during social distancing.

The County of Santa Barbara is providing guidance for restaurants, bars, grocery stores and farmer's markets during social distancing.

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital's infectious disease specialist Dr. Lynn Fitzgibbons shared information on the coronavirus.

Robert provides a recap of a UCSB Professor's lecture on world viruses and outbreaks.

[Update]: All schools from Kindergarten through grade 12 within Santa Barbara County will close beginning Monday to prevent a potential spread of the novel coronavirus.

[Update]: Santa Barbara County officials held an impromptu press conference to declare a Local Health Emergency in response to novel coronavirus.

The Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office announces price-gouging laws are now in effect throughout Santa Barbara County.

[Update]: The Santa Barbara County Superior Court is attempting to postpone current and upcoming jury trials due to the coronavirus.

The Foodbank is focusing on nutrition for seniors and families in the event the coronavirus outbreak reaches our communities.

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department released a new information portal to augment its current website in response to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). 

The Community Environmental Council has rescheduled its annual Earth Day Festival to July amid concerns for the spread of the coronavirus.

UC Santa Barbara's Chancellor announces proactive steps to the coronavirus outbreak that includes moving on-campus classes online through the end of April.

Princess Cruises announced the cancellation of its Grand Princess cruise scheduled to visit Santa Barbara as the City requests the cancellation of other cruise visits.

Ventura congresswoman Julia Brownley announced she will self-quarantine after meeting with a person in Washington D.C. who tested positive for the coronavirus.

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department, out of an abundance of caution, is seeking to solidify the county’s readiness should the COVID-19 virus be found here.

The Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness urges the public to be aware of the psychological or mental health implications of this coronavirus public health crisis.

California's first coronavirus death came from a cruise ship that's scheduled to dock in Santa Barbara later this month.