We have bent the COVID-19 curve and successfully reduced the spread of the virus, Gregg Hart declared Friday. “This progress would not have been possible without the strong support and deep commitment of the 450,000 residents of Santa Barbara County, who have embraced the responsibility of protecting each other,” he said. “It is a moment to celebrate.”
Many were already doing just that, as the City of Santa Barbara closed off eight blocks of State Street to car traffic and allowed restaurants to push their newly reopened but social-distancing businesses onto sidewalks. Hart described the “very real sense of optimism in the air” as more stores reopened, explaining 600 or so have already completed the county’s self-certification process.
Still, Hart warned, “As these new shopping and dining opportunities become available, it’s also critical to remember that we must continue to be very careful.” We can’t let our guard down, said Hart, reminding residents to use social distancing, wear masks, and practice good hygiene. He asked visitors to take the same precautions here as they would in their hometowns. “Let’s all remember,” he said, “crowded beaches are closed beaches.”