SB County Public Health recommends homemade masks for essential tasks in public
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. - The Santa Barbara County Public Health department announced 28 new confirmed COVID-19 cases on Thursday, the County's largest single-day jump so far. The county total is now 139.
According to the County, 23 of those patients are hospitalized and 16 of those 23 are in the ICU. One county COVID-19 patient has died. Twenty-four of those who have tested positive are considered to have fully recovered.
New guidance from the state recommends that people cover their nose and mouth when they need to be out in public completing essential tasks. The guidance comes from research showing that COVID-19 can spread 48 hours before a patient feels any symptoms.
“Wearing a face-covering mask of some kind, therefore, would protect the public from accidental infection by yet-asymptomatic carriers of the virus,” said Santa Barbara County Public Health officer Dr. Henning Ansorg.
Santa Barbara County says the public can use cloths, scarves, bandanas or homemade masks, but should not use N-95 or other medical masks, as those are in short supply and should be saved for healthcare workers.
The County clarified that wearing a face-covering is not required and not a substitute for social distancing and frequent hand-washing, but it is an added layer of protection.
“Potentially, it’s a possibility that there are more people around than you expected [in public] and you can’t safely keep a distance,” Ansorg said. “Then wearing a mask is advised.”
The County also says testing turnaround time continues to improve. Locally, Pacific Diagnostics Labs recently opened for COVID-19 testing and can deliver about 10 same-day results per day. Those same-day tests would most likely be for healthcare workers or other high-profile situations.
County Public Health did not disclose how many healthcare workers in the County have tested positive for the coronavirus, citing privacy concerns.
Lisa Brabo, executive director of the Family Service Agency, says the agency can help with both basic needs--such as food, applications for unemployment, health insurance, etc.--and emotional support for parents or anyone who would like mental health counseling.
The Family Service Agency can be contacted at (805) 965-1001 or through its website.
Public Health clarified that the Champion Center in Lompoc will be re-opened as a space for those dealing with mental illness, not COVID-19 patients. The move will, however, provide local emergency rooms with some relief and more space for COVID-19 patients.
Thursday's announcements came with a thank you to healthcare workers and first responders.
“Not all heroes wear capes,” Second District Supervisor Gregg Hart said. “Many wear white coats, scrubs, badges and aprons.”
