Santa Barbara County reports 81st coronavirus death

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. - The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department reported its 81st coronavirus death on Tuesday.

The public health department said this person was between 50 and 69 years of age and had underlying health conditions. They were a resident of the Mission Canyon area of Santa Barbara and were associated with a communal living facility.

Santa Barbara County records a death as related to COVID-19 when a death certificate is processed listing COVID-19 as a cause or a significant condition. That process can take several days or weeks to verify and finalize.

Santa Barbara County Public Health Director Dr. Van Do-Reynoso offered condolences to the family of this individual and continued to urge residents of Santa Barbara County to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. This includes wearing face coverings, practicing physical distancing and avoiding social gatherings, Do-Reynoso said.

The public health department is also encouraging people to stay home from work if they are feeling ill and asking employers and small business owners to follow local health guidelines.

Santa Barbara County has reported 7481 coronavirus cases as of Tuesday. For a complete breakdown of cases in the county, click here.