Santa Barbara, Calif. – Two Sheriff’s Deputies are recovering at home after testing positive for COVID-19. The first deputy was assigned to patrol in the Santa Maria area and last worked patrol on Saturday, March 21, 2020. The deputy began feeling ill the following day, Sunday, March 22, 2020 and was experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms. The deputy was tested on Monday, March 23, 2020 and began self-isolation. The deputy was notified that the test results were positive for COVID-19 on Friday, March 27, 2020 by Public Health.

A fellow deputy who had ridden in a patrol car with the first deputy began experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms while at work on Friday, March 27, 2020. The deputy left work, sought medical attention- including testing, and went home to isolate. On Saturday, March 28, 2020 the second deputy was notified that the test results were positive for COVID-19.

The Sheriff’s Office has been working closely with Public Health to evaluate any potential risk to additional staff or the public. The Sheriff’s Office initiated additional follow-up that included tracing back each of the deputies’ contacts with the public and coworkers in a pro-active effort to identify possible exposures. No additional people have been identified or recommended for self-isolation protocol by Public Health.

The Sheriff’s Office remains steadfast in our commitment to providing the highest quality of law enforcement service during this trying time. While the challenges of controlling the spread of COVID-19 present another layer of safety concerns for deputies, we are dedicated to safely and effectively keeping the peace.