UCSB reports 2 small outbreaks of COVID-19 in Isla Vista

ISLA VISTA, Calif. - UC Santa Barbara released an Emergency Notification Friday evening regarding two separate clusters of COVID-19 cases identified in Isla Vista.

The university said 13 individuals who lived in two separate privately-owned fraternity and sorority houses in the Isla Vista community recently tested positive.

Those houses have been placed under quarantine by direction of Santa Barbara County Public Health. The public health department is also spearheading contact tracing and outreach efforts.

"Your health and safety are our top priority, and the university is working closely with public health officials to determine whether there are members of the campus community who need to be advised about their contact with these individuals," the UC said.

This announcement comes just a day after the UCSB Chancellor sent a message to the community stating, "all undergraduate students living in university housing, working on campus, or attending any in-person instruction on campus will be required to be tested weekly for COVID-19."

This comes in addition to required daily symptom surveys by smartphone and computer.

At this time, the campus plans to offer up to 5,000 testing appointments per week to accommodate eligible students, faculty, and staff members who are coming to campus. They hope to increase that capacity in preparation for winter and spring quarters.

If you are concerned or have questions about the virus, you can contact UCSB's COVID-19 Call Center on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at (805) 893-3113 or by emailing ucsb-covid19@ucsb.edu.

For updates and breakdowns of COVID-19 in Santa Barbara County, click here.