Santa Barbara, Calif. – A new outbreak of COVID – 19 positive inmates is currently being managed at the Santa Barbara County Jail.

An outbreak investigation was started on August 20, 2021, with 11 inmates and one staff member testing positive in the South Module. Currently, the total number of inmates who have tested positive for COVID-19 since August 19, 2021, is 65 with 17 having recovered. There are currently 48 active cases among inmates in the facility that are being closely monitored by medical staff. These individuals are isolated for a minimum of 14 days and monitored by medical staff.  All exposed inmates are under quarantine, and will be tested per outbreak protocol.

All inmates residing in West Module were antigen tested on September 17, 2021, to establish baseline and isolate infectious cases. Additional PCR testing will occur on September 18, 2021, to ensure all currently positive individuals are identified. One inmate had been hospitalized and 2 additional inmates have had hospital visits for monoclonal antibody treatment.

The total number of custodial staff who have tested positive for COVID-19 since August 19, 2021, is four. The Santa Barbara County Public Health Officer has directed daily antigen testing of all custodial staff for the next three days; on day three a decision will be made if continued daily testing is required.

Santa Barbara County Public Health is assisting the Sheriff’s Office in containing the outbreak by providing antigen testing kits, testing personnel, and oversight of mitigation efforts.