[Update: 6/22, 1 p.m.] Santa Barbara County Public Health confirmed on Monday that three people died of COVID-19 on Saturday and that they were residents of Santa Maria's Country Oaks Care Center. This brings the death toll at the skilled nursing facility to eight individuals, and 54 people have been infected. The three who died on Saturday were over 70 years of age and had underlying health conditions.
Country Oaks Care Center handles short-term rehabilitation and long-term care, including seniors with Alzheimer's. The facility's website states it can house 57 patients, who live in rooms shared by two people. Public Health Director Van Do-Reynoso stated on Friday that six nursing facilities had newly identified COVID-19 cases, but as of Monday, the other five facilities remained unknown. Public Health announced 62 new cases on Sunday, 43 of which were in the City of Santa Maria.
In the press release, the county reminded those who are vulnerable to COVID-19 due to age or health conditions that prevention measures should be observed: Stay home as much as possible, stay six feet away from other people, wear a face covering when away from home, wash your hands regularly, do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth unless you've washed your hands first.