The City of Santa Maria has declared a local emergency in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The proclamation will allow city officials to access state and federal funds and streamline processes to obtain resources to support the community during the outbreak.
To date, three northern Santa Barbara County residents have tested positive for COVID-19. Health officials say all three are recovering at home in isolation.
Several other Central Coast cities have also declared local emergencies in response to the coronavirus pandemic, including Paso Robles, Atascadero, San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay, Lompoc, and Goleta.