Santa Barbara County reported 28 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, bringing the total to 139 as of April 2.
Health Officer Dr. Henning Ansorg said 16 patients are in the ICU. Another seven are also hospitalized.
Eighty-one patients are recovering at home and 24 are fully recovered. Dr. Ansorg said the Public Health Department is awaiting updates on ten additional patients.
Santa Barbara County has had one COVID-19 death.
Dr. Ansorg said new information suggests coronavirus patients may be able to spread the disease earlier than previously thought. He said he strongly urges anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 to alert everyone they'd been in contact with for up to 48 hours before experiencing symptoms about their diagnosis.
More information about the county's COVID-19 response can be found at publichealthsbc.org.