Representing Santa Barbara County's Second District
|
|
|
|
I'm Gregg Hart, Chair of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors. I'm writing today to provide you with an update on COVID-19 in Santa Barbara County. It is important for us all to stay informed about COVID-19's impact on our community so that we can collectively act to reduce the spread of the virus. Please visit
publichealthsbc.org
to access the County's information on COVID-19 and important community resources.
I would like to express my gratitude for the work of our local healthcare workers, first responders, emergency
management professionals, and service sector workers in response to COVID-19. Not all heroes wear capes, but many wear white coats, scrubs, badges, and aprons. I appreciate the commitment to serving others that is demonstrated by our local heroes every day.
As always, please feel free to contact my office if we can be of assistance to you. You are more than welcome to call my office at (805) 568-2191, email me at ghart@countyofsb.org, or
visit my website
.
For my daily updates on COVID-19,
please follow my Facebook page
.
|
|
Reduce the Spread of COVID-19
|
|
All of us have a role to play in preventing the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Three simple steps can protect your health and the well being of your loved ones.
#1 - Stay home. If you must go out, stay at least six feet away from other people. Also, make sure that you cover your face to further reduce the risk of transmission.
#2 - Wash your hands regularly, don’t touch your face, and disinfect high-touch surfaces.
#3 - If you feel sick, immediately isolate yourself at home. If your symptoms worsen, call your medical provider and follow their advice.
By taking these important steps in our everyday routines, we can flatten the curve of transmission and save lives in our community.
Click here
for more information.
|
|
As of yesterday at 4:30 p.m.,192 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Santa Barbara County. Of those who have tested positive for COVID-19, 42 have recovered, 110 are recovering at home, 34 are recovering in the hospital (19 are in the Intensive Care Unit), and 2 people have passed away.
With widespread community transmission, COVID-19 has affected residents in every part of Santa Barbara County. Adherence to the guidance of our public health officials must take place at all times.
|
|
Economic Recovery: Resources for Businesses and Individuals
|
|
Many of our local businesses are scared about the economic impacts of COVID-19. They are worried about how they will be able to keep their doors open, pay their employees, and provide for our community during this time. There is no single solution to address these concerns, but more and more programs are coming on-line to support the economic vitality of our County.
Signed into law last week, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides more than $350 billion to assist and support small businesses across the nation.
Since March 19th, Santa Barbara County has been an eligible location for the Small Business Administration’s COVID-19 assistance programs.
The Paycheck Protection Program, one of the most important features of CARES Act, provides loans for small businesses that keep employees their on payroll. Some of these loans will be completely forgiven. The application period for this program opened on Friday, 4/3.
The CARES Act also strengthens assistance for workers who have been laid off as a result of COVID-19, increasing the weekly unemployment insurance benefits by $600 per person and extending coverage for an additional four months. These benefits are also available for part time, self-employed, and gig-economy workers.
For more information on the County's economic recovery efforts, please
click here
. You are also welcome to email
COVIDbiz@countyofsb.org
with any questions. Please visit
805undocufund.org to learn about the support that is available for undocumented workers in our community.
|
|
The County understands that COVID-19 can present challenges for the emotional wellness of our community. Led by the Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness, the Community Wellness Team is a network of support service providers that can link people to accessible mental health, drug, and alcohol services. This team has experience supporting community members through trauma during disasters and emergencies, as it was formed in the aftermath of the Thomas Fire & Debris Flow. For more information on the Community Wellness Team, please
click here.
|
|
Ensuring Food Access During COVID-19
|
|
It is important for local residents to have access to food in order to stay healthy during this challenging time. The
Foodbank of Santa Barbara County
is distributing free food to community members at numerous sites throughout Santa Barbara County. All community members are welcome at the food distribution sites. There are no eligibility requirements to receive food from the distribution sites, so you do not have to worry about providing any documents. Seniors and other residents who need assistance picking up food can
call 211 for home delivery.
If you are interested in volunteering at the Foodbank, please
click here
.
Please take advantage of these programs if you could benefit from assistance during this time, or share this information with a neighbor who could benefit.
|
|
Companion animals are an important part of people's lives. During these difficult times, Santa Barbara County Animal Services and partner organizations are working together to help pets and their guardians.
Our community has rallied to provide foster homes and permanent adoptions to so many animals in our county’s shelters: Animal Services has adopted over 70 animals since mid-March, transferred 38 to rescue partners, and placed 64 animals in foster homes for future adoption.
ASAP, our cat rescue partner, is overseeing over 100 cats in foster at this time. Our shelters are nearly empty, and we have the community to thank for this!
C.A.R.E. 4 PAWS is providing help to residents in need of financial assistance, from free pet food to low cost veterinary services. They can also help you create a plan for taking care of your pet in the event that you become ill.
There are still many opportunities for those who would like to adopt or foster an animal. To connect with a County shelter, ASAP, BUNS, the Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society, and DAWG please
click here.
|
|
SCE Maintenance During COVID-19
|
|
My office has been in touch with Southern California Edison (SCE) about planned maintenance outages in our area. I have urged SCE to delay all non-essential maintenance operations during COVID-19 to ensure that residents experience minimal power disruption while staying at home.
The California Public Utilities Commission, Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, and CalFIRE have directed SCE to continue any maintenance operations that are necessary to prevent wildfires, reduce the potential for public safety power shutoff (PSPS) events, maintain grid resiliency, and otherwise protect public safety. With this in mind, some operations in our community will take place in the coming weeks.
To reduce the impact of planned outages, SCE is increasing maintenance staffing to expedite operations and reduce the length of planned outages. SCE is also giving more advanced notice to impacted residents and working with people with special medical needs to make necessary accommodations. Please
click here to learn more about SCE’s response to COVID-19.
|
|
Take Care and Stay Healthy
|
|
Thank you for staying informed about the local response to COVID-19. The next several weeks will not be easy, but our community will come together in support of one another as we have done before in times of emergency.
|
|
Supervisor Gregg Hart
105 E. Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
805.568.2191
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
