Eight additional coronavirus deaths have been reported on the Central and South Coasts, with the region’s total now topping the 250 mark.
Santa Barbara County is reporting four new deaths, Ventura County three, and San Luis Obispo County one. Ventura County has had a total of 129 deaths, Santa Barbara County 103, and San Luis Obispo County 23.
150 new coronavirus cases were reported in the region Thursday. Ventura County had 97, Santa Barbara County 30, and San Luis Obispo County 23. The total number of cases in the region moved passed the 23,000 mark today, with most of those diagnosed with the virus already recovered.
The number of new cases, along with the percentage of new positive cases are key indicators being used by the state to gauge whether counties are ready for more reopenings. So far, all three counties remain at the purple level, which is the furthest away from new reopenings being allowed.