Public Health Officer: Pandemic is not over despite businesses reopening
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. -- Despite the phased reopening of some Santa Barbara County businesses, the Public Health officer wants to remind people the pandemic is not over.
Dr. Henning Ansorg said he has already noticed people not being responsible.
"We have seen an increase in incidents and situations where people have not been keeping sufficient physical distance."
That is why the county elevated its face covering recommendation to a mandate this week.
"We do understand that there is both scientific evidence, both for, and against the wearing of face masks during a viral pandemic however we also know that while we are waiting for science to give us a definitive answer we are well advised to use masks where appropriate because there is evidence that they can help reduce the spread of coronavirus by limiting droplets from the wearer," said Dr. Ansorg.
Ansorg added wearing a mask alone is not enough, it must be in conjunction with social distancing and good hygiene such as hand-washing.
Hospitalizations and COVID case numbers must remain stable or drop to move into the next phase.
Public Health Officer Van Do-Reynoso said ,"In order to maintain this freedom, and also be in a position to reopen additional services we all need to be diligent and maintain our social distancing, wearing face covering when interacting with others when social distancing is not possible."
The Public Health staff will be watching the case numbers closely in the next couple of weeks.
"I would encourage us not to go any faster until we in two weeks see the results of this dramatic change. I would very much urge everyone to enjoy this responsibly and then in two weeks lets re-access how did this pan out and can we go further," said Ansorg.
County leaders want to remind people they can spread the virus before they have any visible symptoms.
They also urged people to get tested regardless of those symptoms.
Community members can get tested for free in Lompoc, Santa Maria and Santa Barbara. To make an appointment go online to lhi.care/covidtesting.org or call 1-888-634-1123.
We will have more on NewsChannel 3 and 12 and FOX11 News tonight.
