Santa Barbara County health officials were full of cautious optimism Friday as they delivered their weekly speech on the region’s latest COVID-19 data.
In short, they said, the numbers look good. Very good. Over the past week, test positivity has declined by 22 percent. Business rates declined by 34 percent. And active business shrank by 23 percent.
“The standards are still falling, and this is something to celebrate,” said Dr. Van Do-Reynoso, director of the department of public health, said. “This is really good news, and if the trends continue, we will be able to continue reopening in the near future.”
Of the 105,160 vaccines the country has received, 81 percent have been administered, Do-Reynoso said. The remaining doses are planned for clinics that will open in the next few days. ‘If you still need to be vaccinated,’ she said, ‘know that we are advocating for more vaccinations and plan to take a day off in the very near future. Please be patient until then. ”
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Those in the Phase 1A category – health workers, emergency medical staff and long-term care staff and residents – remain eligible for the vaccine, Do-Reynoso explained, but the primary focus for her department has now shifted to giving shots to Phase 1B individuals. This includes people aged 65 and over, agricultural workers, educators and caregivers of childcare and emergency services personnel.
Find more information on the Department of Public Health website.
A few weeks ago, Do-Reynoso concluded, the state announced a shift to a new age-based system focusing on those with underlying health conditions. It would be implemented by March 15: “However, there are still many unknowns about how it will work,” she said. It is now more likely that the new process will start somewhere at the end of March. “We are still working closely with our healthcare partners and will decide in the next few weeks what this phase will look like,” she said.
During the same presentation, Dr. Henning Ansorg, Santa Barbara’s health officer, announced that the country, in addition to our regular incoming shipments of vaccines Moderna and Pfizer, will already receive 3,800 doses of the new Johnson & Johnson vaccine next week. Ansorg was positive about the new option and mentioned the advantages it has over its two competitors.
Ansorg said the Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires only one shot instead of two, has produced less and less severe allergic reactions, is easier to transport and handle, and is very effective in protecting people from the destruction of the virus. . “I predict that this vaccine will become the preferred option for many people,” he said.
Despite all the good news, Ansorg residents have been reminded that Santa Barbara County is not clear yet. We are still stuck in the purple level, as infections continue to spread widely – 11.3 new cases per 100,000 people, according to the latest figures, when we have to hit seven or less to reach the red level. We must remain careful. This means that we continue to wear masks and avoid gatherings, Ansorg insisted, especially among the families and supporters who are now watching high school athletes return to their home fields. “Please be patient and considerate,” he said.
As an additional argument for staying vigilant, Ansorg emphasized that health workers in the front line are looking after 322 active cases, of which 53 are admitted to hospital. They also saw 422 people die. In recent years, “they have taken such a toll,” he said. “You have no idea. They are emotionally drained by experiencing these lonely deaths in the hospital. It is heartbreaking to hear their stories.”
Care must therefore allow a moment to be proud of the progress we have made in eradicating the virus, but we must continue to keep the line. “We can not get out before ourselves,” he said.
By the Santa Barbara IndependentOur staff works 24 hours a day to cover all aspects of this crisis – to sort truth according to rumors. Our reporters and editors ask the difficult questions of our public health officials and spread the message about how we can help each other. The community needs us – now more than ever – and we need you to continue the important work we do. Support the Independent by making a direct contribution or by subscribing to Indy +.