Beyond the Blueprint in Santa Barbara County
August 18, 2021
Beyond the Blueprint for Industry and Business Sectors Updates:
- Applied vaccine verification or negative testing requirement to Indoor Mega Events involving 1,000 or more participants.
- Removed self-attestation as a mode for both vaccine verification and for verification of negative COVID-19 test for indoor events scheduled after September 20, 2021.
August 5, 2021
Effective Friday, August 6, 2021, in Santa Barbara County, everyone two years of age and older must wear a mask in all indoor public settings, venues, gatherings, and public and private businesses, regardless of their vaccination status. They must also continue to wear a mask on all public transit and transit hubs, at all health care settings, correctional facilities, shelters and cooling centers, and schools and day care facilities.
The County and State guidelines can be accessed at the following links:
County Public Health Officer Order of August 6, 2021
Updated Mask Mandate for Santa Barbara County
California Department of Public Health “Beyond the Blueprint” Questions & Answers
June 15, 2021
On June 15, 2021 the State of California reopened and discontinued the color-coded tier structure that helped the state manage COVID-19 in our counties. Local Health Officer Orders will not be issued for COVID-19 related community guidance. Santa Barbara County will continue to monitor and report case-related statistics and follow guidelines issued through the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
The State guidelines, applicable locally, can be accessed at the following links:
State Public Health Officer Order of June 11, 2021
Guidance for the Use of Face Coverings (Takes Effect June 15, 2021)
If at any time the County of Santa Barbara decides that a new Health Office Order is needed to distinguish local guidance from the overall State guidance the public will be informed. Santa Barbara County is aligned with the State of California and does not have any additional restrictions.
All business sectors may return to usual operations (with limited exceptions for Mega Events). Employers are subject to the current Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS), if applicable to them.
The state will continue to monitor the transmission and effects of COVID-19 and its many variants.
The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department COVID-19 Dashboard will continue to be updated.
Vaccination Verification Guidance for Businesses, Venues or Hosts
- Provide information to all patrons, guests and attendees regarding vaccination requirements and allow vaccinated individuals to self-attest that they are in compliance prior to entry (i.e. honor system).
- Implement vaccine verification to determine whether individuals are required to wear a mask.
- Require all patrons to wear masks
- CDPH Guidance for Face Coverings
- CDC’s guidance for fully vaccinated people
- Cal/OSHA guidance for the workplace
- For questions on COVID-19 protections in the workplace or to speak with a Cal/OSHA representative during normal business hours, please call 833-579-0927
General Restrictions Applying to Indoor & Outdoor Settings
No restrictions
- No restrictions for attendees, customers and guests
- Schools should keep student desks at least 3 feet apart
Follow CDC recommendations and CDPH Travel Advisory
Mega events are large public events where attendance may exceed 5,000 persons for indoor or 10,000 persons for outdoor events.
- Examples of indoor mega events include conventions, conferences, expos, sporting events and concerts.
- Examples of outdoor mega events include music or food festivals, car shows, large endurance events and marathons, parades, sporting events and concerts.
For all attendees, verification of fully vaccinated status or recent negative testing for COVID-19 is:
- Required for indoor mega events
- Strongly recommended for outdoor mega events
Review additional information about requirements and recommendations for Mega Events.
- Everyone should get vaccinated when eligible.
- Indoor spaces should be well ventilated (i.e., open all windows and doors to increase natural air flow), following current CDPH and CalOSHA guidance.
- Everyone should sign up for CA Notify as an added layer of protection for themselves and the community to receive alerts when they have been in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19.
CDPH will continue to provide updated guidance for healthcare settings and other high-risk congregate settings.
Additional Beyond the Blueprint Resources
