Two more Delta Variant cases found in Santa Barbara County, total now 4

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. - Two more cases of the highly contagious Delta Variant have been identified in Santa Barbara County.

The Public Health Department was notified by the UC Santa Barbara Virology Laboratory of these two new cases. They bring the total number of Delta cases identified in the county to four.

“These cases serve as a reminder that even as our progress continues towards the end, our community is still in a pandemic, shared Van Do-Reynoso, County Public Health Director. “We have a tried and true method of preventing severe illness and hospitalization from the COVID-19 Delta variant, and that is getting vaccinated.  If you are eligible and have not yet been vaccinated, we urge you to get your first shot as soon as possible.”

Public Health is continuing to encourage residents to get the COVID-19 vaccine if they haven't already in order to help protect themselves.

“As we approach the upcoming holiday weekend, we advise all community members, whether vaccinated or not, to remain vigilant and practice the safety precautions that have led us in the right direction,” said Dr. Henning Ansorg, County Health Officer. “Stay home if you are ill, wear a mask in crowded indoor settings, keep events outdoors when possible, and practice good hand hygiene.”

The two previous cases of the Delta Variant were identified in late April.

For updates on COVID-19 throughout Santa Barbara County, visit publichealthsbc.org.