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82 new COVID-19 cases reported in Santa Barbara Co.; 9 sheriff's custody staff test positive

Posted at 6:17 PM, Jun 18, 2020
and last updated 2020-06-18 21:17:35-04

Santa Barbara County reported 82 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, bringing the county's total to 2,253 confirmed cases as of June 18.

Of that total, 989 cases are inmates at the federal prison in Lompoc.

Of the remaining cases in the community, 61 people are hospitalized, including 17 patients who are in the ICU. Another 211 people are recovering at home, and 858 people have recovered.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office says nine members of its custody staff tested positive for COVID-19 and are now recovering at home. Nine other employees are reportedly awaiting test results.

Sheriff's officials say four civilian staff members in the Custody Records department and five custody deputies became symptomatic on their days off and were tested for the virus starting last Friday.

Only one of the nine affected employees had contact with inmates, and sheriff's officials say none of the inmates in the general population are symptomatic. Two inmates who showed symptoms during booking are reportedly being quarantined away from the other inmates.

Sheriff's officials say all of the affected employees have remained home from work since becoming symptomatic.

The sheriff's office is reportedly working with the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department to conduct contact tracing and have all jail staff tested for coronavirus.

The sheriff's office says two sheriff's deputies serving as bailiffs at the Santa Barbara Superior Courthouse are self-quarantining after being in a courtroom with a staff member who later tested positive for COVID-19.

Three free coronavirus testing sites are open to the public in Santa Barbara County. They are located at the Santa Maria Fairpark in Santa Maria, the Earl Warren Showgrounds in Santa Barbara, and at 1745 Mission Drive in Solvang.

To make an appointment, visit lhi.care/covidtesting or call 888-634-1123.

For more information on the county's COVID-19 response, visit publichealthsbc.org.