A spike in coronavirus cases on the Central and South Coasts could prompt a new wave of shutdowns.
Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties are all in the state’s red reopening tier. But, increases in new case numbers during the last two weeks are threatening to push them back to the more restrictive purple tier.
Ventura County officials are warning that unless the spike is stopped, the state could move the county back to purple as soon as next week.
If a county is forced to move from red to purple, indoor operations would have to shut down again at places like restaurants, gyms, theaters and churches. Already opened schools could remain open, but additional COVID-19 testing would be required.
But, there’s one bit of good news. New case numbers in the region yesterday were lower than the last few days, with 156 in total. Ventura County reported 72, Santa Barbara County 32, and San Luis Obispo County 52. There have now been more than 30,500 since the start of the pandemic.
