Central Coast Public Health Departments closely monitoring dangerous Delta variant

CENTRAL COAST, Calif. – The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department said the COVID-19 Delta variant is a lot more dangerous than the original version of COVID-19.

The Delta variant is spreading rapidly in parts of the world, including here in the U.S.

The World Health Organization and Los Angeles County are even now recommending masks indoors for everyone regardless of vaccine status.

LA County leaders say the Delta variant comprised half of all variants found locally in recent weeks.

At this time, we are not seeing mask guidance on the Central Coast.

Santa Barbara County Public Health Director Van Do-Reynoso says if someone feels more comfortable wearing a mask at all times, then the department supports that.

However, she said those who are still unvaccinated should be worried, even though Santa Barbara County has zero active Delta variant cases right now.

That's because they are unprotected from all versions of COVID-19.

“The Delta variant reminds us that if you are not vaccinated,” said Dr. Do-Reynoso. “This is a good time to go get vaccinated, in order to protect yourself, in order to protect your family and community."

Do-Reynoso also mentioned the current masking guidance could change as the Delta variant situation unfolds.

Both Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo County Public Health said, in the meantime, they are monitoring the Delta variant closely.

On Tuesday, San Luis Obispo County Public Health said the first instance of the Delta variant was detected in the county.