The Santa Barbara County Health Department along with nine other health departments in Southern California are encouraging people to stay home this holiday season.
With COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths increasing daily, the Public Health Alliance of Southern California is asking people to do their part, saying, “We understand that people are tired, but public health measures are not the enemy — they are the roadmap for a faster and more sustainable recovery. We must all commit to taking precautions and heeding public health protocols, including the current Stay-at-Home Order, to reopen businesses and schools, to travel to see our families and friends in person, and to celebrate that next important event.”
The Alliance calls the next few weeks and months “crucial.”
“We cannot continue on our current path without facing serious consequences for our families, friends, and the local businesses that make our communities such special places to live,” stated a press release issued Thursday.
People are reminded to wear face coverings, wash hands, practice social distancing and travel for essential reasons only.
“Many of us are spreading the virus without knowing it—over 50% of exposures come from people who don’t have symptoms—so we all need to avoid social gatherings and activities with those outside our household. If we do these things, in a few weeks we could start to see the numbers slow and the curve bend,” the alliance said.