Santa Barbara City Councilman Oscar Gutierrez has tested positive for COVID-19, he announced Tuesday.
“Unfortunately, I have tested positive for COVID-19,” Gutierrez said. “Since the start of the pandemic, my household has been respecting the CDC guidelines. But unfortunately, my mother (Juana), against my recommendations, went to a family member’s house for Thanksgiving and came in contact with someone with the virus, and brought it back to the house and I got it, and she has it.”
Since the pandemic began in March, Gutierrez has largely stayed out of the public eye, attending only outdoor events.
While other council members attend City Council meetings virtually from their offices at City Hall, Gutierrez joins the meetings virtually from his home, which he shares with his mother.
“We’re doing OK for the most part, but we are definitely feeling it,” Gutierrez said.
Gutierrez urged people to stay safe.
“I can’t reiterate enough not to leave your house,” Gutierrez said. “Don’t go traveling for the holidays. Wear your mask. Wash your hands. This is painful. It really hurts. We need to do more to keep our residents safe.”
Gutierrez made the announcement late Tuesday during the City Council meeting.
Mayor Cathy Murillo said she appreciated Gutierrez using his platform to reach out to others.
“With the Christmas holiday coming up and Hannakuh, we want to be with our family members, and it’s not a good idea right now,” Murillo said.
Gutierrez was elected on June 5, 2018, to represent the Westside’s District 3.
— Noozhawk staff writer Joshua Molina can be reached at jmolina@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.