SB County Sheriff’s Office reports 21 more inmates test positive for COVID-19

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. - The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office reported that 21 additional inmates recently tested positive for COVID-19.

These inmates were tested as part of a group of 66 total inmates who were previously in contact with a single inmate who also tested positive for the virus.

The group was reportedly exposed to the infected inmate on or before Monday, Aug. 24.

The Sheriff's Office said, of the 66 tested inmates, 21 received positive test results and 45 received negative results. Two of the positive-testing inmates exhibited coronavirus-related symptoms and have been moved into negative airflow cells.

The Sheriff's Office said the remaining positive-testing inmates who currently have no symptoms are being housed together in a contained area of the county jail. All positive inmates are reportedly being monitored by custody and medical staff regularly.

According to the Sheriff's Office, the 45 negative-testing inmates will be re-tested in about a week.

These 21 new cases bring the total number of COVID-19 cases at the Main Jail to 63. Of that total, 33 are currently active, 19 have fully recovered and 10 were released from custody back into the community. One inmate has passed away after testing positive for the virus.

For updates and breakdowns of COVID-19 cases throughout Santa Barbara County, click here.