Coronavirus Information

Coronavirus Resources and Information

Status as of Wednesday, March 18, 1:15 P.M.

What You Need to Know About the Coronavirus

The City of Santa Paula recognizes the urgency and threat the Coronavirus poses to every public place, school or workplace. The City has linked websites that will provide an overview regarding what the actual virus is, how you can protect yourself and what measures to take. 

As of March 12, 2020, the Ventura County Public Health Officer declared a Countywide emergency. As a result, the City of Santa Paula has also declared a state of emergency, which will be ratified by the City Council next Wednesday night. While there are only a few known and isolated cases in Ventura County and none have been identified in Santa Paula, the declaration was made so Santa Paula can take action now to get ahead of the expected arrival of Coronavirus in our community. The declaration will enhance Santa Paula’s ability to take further lifesaving actions as we continue to respond to this evolving situation.

Santa Paula Unified School District

As a result of this declaration and in the interest of the health of our community, the Santa Paula Unified School District has decided to close all of our schools beginning Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 20. The decision to close schools was made collectively with all other public school districts in Ventura County. As more information becomes available, the plans for the week of March 23 will be shared with the community by Friday, March 20. 

The Santa Paula Unified School District and its Child Nutrition Services Team will be providing "Grab n Go" meals for families to pick-up, Monday through Friday, from 10:30 am-12:30 pm beginning this Monday, March 16th. For more information please visit the SPUSD Webpage

Ventura County Public Health

Effective on Wednesday, March 18, the Ventura County Health Officer issued an order for the following:

  • All individuals currently living in Ventura County who are equal to or older than 75 years of age, or equal to or older than 70 years of age with an active or unstable comorbidity, are ordered to shelter at their place of residence from 3/18 - 4/1. To the extent such individuals are using shared or outdoor spaces, they must at all times as reasonably possible maintain physical distancing of at least six feet from any other person. Exceptions shall only exist as necessary to seek medical care, nutrition, or to perform essential work in healthcare or government.
  • Restaurants may only prepare and offer food that is provided to customers via delivery service, via pick-up for takeout dining, and via drive-thru.  Bars/nightclubs may remain open to provide these services.
  • The following types of businesses are ordered to close from 3/18 - 4/1:
    • Bars and nightclubs that do not serve food
    • Movie theaters, live performance venues, bowling alleys, and arcades
    • Gyms, fitness centers, and aquatic centers
    • Wineries, breweries, and tap rooms that provide tastings

Current Figures for Ventura County

The Ventura County Public Health Department has declared a local health emergency in response to 1) increased spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) across the country 2) in alignment with the Governor of California’s Declared State of Emergency and mass gathering guidance 3) an increase of local cases. There is currently 1 positive travel related case in Ventura County. As of today, 193 people have been tested by the Ventura County Public Health Lab for COVID-19, 9 results are presumptive positive pending CDC confirmation and there are 25 travelers with no symptoms are on home quarantine/isolation. . . To access this information click here.

Ventura County Government Buildings to Close

The County of Ventura will close all of its buildings to the public effective Wednesday, March 18, as a precautionary measure to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The announcement comes as Governor Gavin Newsom directed closure of California’s bars, brewpubs and wineries, and called on people over 65 and others at higher risk of serious complications from exposure to the virus to stay at home.

Ventura County Public Health COVID-19 Update as of March 17, 2020

We will be posting all new press releases here as they come from Ventura County Health

Resources and Helpful Information

World Health Organization

As discussed previously, it is important to vet the sources to ensure timely and accurate information. The World Health Organization can be an excellent resource. The WHO maintains an educational portal called “Open WHO” that has several classes on pandemics and outbreaks, including a course titled “Emerging respiratory viruses, including COVID-19: methods for detection, prevention, response and control” that is free for anyone to enroll. Click here to be directed to their website.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Another good resource is the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC works to protect America from health, safety and security threats, both foreign and in the U.S. Whether diseases start at home or abroad, CDC fights disease and supports communities and citizens to do the same. Their website highlights helpful information on what you should know, situation updates and information for communities, schools and businesses. Click here to be directed to these resources.