More COVID cases identified at Santa Barbara County Main Jail amid outbreak

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Thirteen more inmates at the Santa Barbara County Main Jail have tested positive for COVID-19. These additional cases are part of an outbreak that started on December 8, 2021. So far 182 cases in total have been identified.

The Sheriff's Office says 96 cases remain active, 82 have recovered and four were released. COVID positive inmates are closely watched by custody staff and wellness partners. None of the inmates during this outbreak have required hospitalization, 30 have reported symptoms, 151 are asymptomatic. One inmate declined to answer.

Under Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office policy, inmates are tested when they arrive at the jail and are housed separately from the general population during the first 10 days of their stay.