Public Health reported its first four confirmed cases of the Omicron variant of the novel coronavirus in Santa Barbara County on Wednesday, but acknowledged that the contagious variant likely has been circulating in the community for some time.
“All four cases were under 30 years of age. Three of the four cases were in South County, one received two doses of Pfizer, and the other three do not have vaccine records in CAIR, the state immunization database,” Public Health officials said in a news release Wednesday.
Contact tracing is underway and close contacts have been asked to quarantine, they said.
“COVID-19 vaccines have been effective against earlier variants of the virus, and appear to be effective against this new variant as well, especially against serious illness and death,” according to the Public Health Department.
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is approved for use in everyone 5 years and older, and the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines are approved for use in adults 18 and older.
The CDC as well as California and county public health officials recommend the two-dose Pfizer or Moderna vaccination regimens over the single-dose Johnson & Johnson due to the protection benefits and risks of each vaccine.
Booster shots are approved for use in all adults and are available for free at vaccine providers around Santa Barbara County.
Click here to find a COVID-19 vaccine provider near you in Santa Barbara County.
“The detection of these four Omicron cases validates our sense of urgency about vaccination and boosters in our local community” Public Health Director Van Do-Reynoso said in a statement. “Vaccination and boosters for every eligible community member continues to be the number one tool we have to stop the spread of this virus and prevent serious illness in those who do get COVID-19.
“Given the prevalence of Omicron cases throughout the nation and California, we can expect that the variant is circulating in Santa Barbara County. However, these four cases are the first confirmed from sampling.”
Also on Wednesday, the county reported 534 new positive novel coronavirus cases, which is the most reported on a single day since mid-January 2021, nearly a year ago.
The Public Health Department continues to stress the importance of novel coronavirus testing as a way to detect infections early, but post-holiday demand has reportedly caused long waits for testing appointments and a shortage of at-home tests for sale in pharmacies and other stores.
The county has some at-home tests available for free at certain clinic locations, while supplies last, and there are several free PCR testing locations throughout the county.
Two of those free testing sites closed this month — the Buellton location closed a few weeks ago and the Goleta Valley Community Center location has its last day Thursday — which the county has said is due to “changing demand.”
Click here for more information on free testing sites in Santa Barbara County.
Click here to view a state-created map of testing sites, which includes multiple kinds of tests, and some testing providers who charge out of pocket for the tests.
“Testing continues to be an important element in early detection of infection,” Public Health said Wednesday. “Community members are encouraged to get tested if they traveled to U.S. locations with high transmission rates or if they’ve traveled internationally. Additionally, testing is recommended for persons who have attended crowded gathering with unvaccinated people.
“If you test positive, be sure to isolate and remind your close contacts with symptoms to isolate regardless of vaccination status.
“If you are unable to book an immediate appointment for COVID-19 testing, consider an at-home testing option. These at-home tests are the next best option, especially if you experience symptoms.
Due to increased demand for at home antigen tests, supply may be limited at local pharmacies, grocery stores, and other locations,.
— Noozhawk managing editor Giana Magnoli can be reached at gmagnoli@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.
