The most recent COVID-19 outbreak at a South Coast jail is now considered to be officially over.
It began December 8th at the main Santa Barbara County Jail. A total of 278 inmates ultimately tested positive for the virus as a result of the outbreak, but most of them were asymptomatic.
Even with the outbreak over, and the surge easing, the jail is keeping safety protocols in place. It’s testing new inmates for the virus, and keeping them isolated until they are cleared.
The jail remains closed to visitation, but jail officials say they are planning to meet with County Public Health officials to decide when it can be reopened.
