Santa Barbara County reports 2 additional coroanvirus-related deaths

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. - Santa Barbara County reported two new coronavirus-related deaths on Thursday. The total number of deaths in the county is now 75.

The public health department said the two people were both over 70 years of age.

One person had underlying health conditions and was a North County resident who lived in a congregate care facility. The county says the care facility was not a nursing facility.

The second person was a resident of Santa Maria and did not have underlying health conditions, the public health department said.

"Deaths are reported when a death certificate is processed listing COVID-19 as a cause or a significant condition," the county said in Thursday's news release.

Coronavirus deaths are added to the county's total after verification by the coroner's office. The process can take several days to as long as two months, the county said.

“We send our heartfelt condolences to the grieving families and urge our community to remain vigilant,” said Santa Barbara County Public Health Director Dr. Van Do-Reynoso. "Our best defense for COVID-19 is to wear a face-covering and stay at least six feet from others.”

For a complete breakdown of COVID-19 cases within the county, click here.