Santa Barbara County reported a total of 243 confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, an increase of 15 from the day before.
Forty patients are hospitalized, including 18 in the ICU. Health officials say 113 patients are recovering at home and 69 are fully recovered.
The health department is awaiting status updates on nine additional patients.
Two people in Santa Barbara County have died as a result of COVID-19.
Health officials say ten of the new cases announced Thursday are inmates at the federal prison in Lompoc.
Sheriff Bill Brown said at a press conference Thursday afternoon that extra deputies, lifeguards, and rangers would be patrolling beaches, parks, and other outdoor areas over the holiday weekend to make sure people are not gathering in large groups. He said those not following social distancing rules could be fined.
Sheriff Brown also unveiled a new public service announcement that encourages the public to report hidden abuse, which may be occurring while people are sheltered in their homes.
For more information on the COVID-19 response in Santa Barbara County, visit publichealthsbc.org. To speak to someone, call the Santa Barbara County Call Center at (833) 688-5551 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.