Santa Barbara, Calif. – Yesterday, a custody deputy was found to be COVID-19 positive. The custody deputy was not experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms and was tested as part of broad surveillance testing of all custody staff. The custody deputy worked in an assignment that did not involve any contact with or supervision of inmates.

This brings the total number of Sheriff’s Office employees who have tested positive for COVID-19 to 42, with 40 having recovered. The staff who remain on leave include one Sheriff’s deputy and this custody deputy.