INFORMATION AND KNOWLEDGE CAN EASE OUR FEARS
Courtesy of Cottage Health
When it comes to COVID-19 information and resources for Santa Barbara and Montecito, it’s good to know Santa Barbara County is working overtime to ensure the health and welfare of all residents.
“The public is urged to not panic, but be prepared,” Santa Barbara City Hall stated.
Face it, humans are wired to be socially connected. Doing so safely requires diligence and creativity. Keeping a positive and informed perspective that we will get through this, together, is critical to reducing the emotional impacts and continuing to create resiliency.
Local resources for Montecito and Santa Barbara homeowners:
Santa Barbara County Joint Information Center
The Santa Barbara County Joint Information Center is producing a daily summary to highlight COVID-19 information and resources for Santa Barbara locals designed to keep us all informed. Santa Barbara homeowners will find almost everything they need to know about the local fight against the global pandemic. Topics include breaking news and how to care for someone who’s ill to business resources, status reports, provider alerts, economic recovery and more.
Cottage Hospital
Cottage Health is providing ongoing care for our community and has isolation precautions in place for COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. For over 125 years, our not-for-profit health system has been providing advanced medical care for patients throughout California. Today, our nationally-recognized services provide families with the patient-centered care they deserve, especially when it comes to COVID-19.
Cottage CareNow
Cottage CareNow can help assess your symptoms and provide appropriate guidance. Currently, all local COVID-19 testing must be approved by a physician. All you have to do is log in, enter your symptoms and health information, choose to have a member of Cottage CareNow’s team of doctors and nurse practitioners review your results and respond with a treatment plan within 1 hour, or request an immediate face-to-face video visit. If appropriate, prescriptions will be sent to your preferred pharmacy. Watch this video to see how it works.
What Cottage Hospital Wants You To Know:
- Most people with COVID-19 will not require hospitalization. Testing for the virus may be ordered by a physician, after assessment of symptoms and risk factors.
- Possible symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, difficulty breathing, fatigue/weakness, and diarrhea.
- Call your doctor for guidance if you develop symptoms.
- Call ahead if you are going to visit your healthcare provider in person, so precautions can be taken to prevent the spread of germs.
- Call 911 if you believe you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency.
- Individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 seeking care at the hospital emergency departments will be screened and triaged based on symptoms.
- Most elective procedures are being rescheduled to help conserve essential hospital supplies and resources, and to help people avoid unnecessary close contact.
- Hospitals are restricting visits to protect the health of vulnerable patients and essential health care workers.
Information and resources
Here are some excellent places locals can visit online for more information:
- Cottage Health
Recorded information line: 805-324-9019 (English and Spanish) - Santa Barbara County Public Health Department
Recorded information line: 805-681-4373 - Santa Barbara County Call Center: 833-688-5551
Phone line staffed 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, Monday – Friday (new hours) - US Centers for Disease Control
- Share the Facts about COVID-19
- California Department of Public Health
Emotional Wellness Strategies During the COVID-19 Emergency
In a previous blog, I shared 12 Things To Do When You’re Confined to Your Home. Here are some practical coping strategies from local experts, designed with COVID-19 information and resources for Santa Barbara in mind.
- Practicing mindfulness and relaxation exercises
- Stay connected by phone and electronically
- Keep current connections strong
- Stay informed through reliable sources
- Limit your screen time
- Eat healthily and drink plenty of water
- Call elderly and housebound friends and neighbors to see how they are feeling. Bring them meals and special treats, being mindful of their vulnerability and susceptibility.
- Play board games with your kids
- Read to your children and have them read to you
- Take on a home project, paint that wall that you have been thinking about
- Work in the garden
- Have push-up contests or do yoga together
- Make special meals and involve the whole family, eat healthily!
- Order in meals from favorite restaurants that you don’t think normally do takeout
- Get outside – go for walks, runs, and hikes (maintain social distancing)
- Assign someone at work as your Morale Officer to focus on your team’s wellness
You can also stay informed with the county’s Twitter page and by tuning into the local daily press conference, Monday through Friday, 4:30 pm on CSBTV Channel 20 or on YouTube, CSBTV.
I feel so blessed and safe to live in a community like ours where residents, elected officials, and local businesses look out for one another. At the same time, I realize moving can bring its own stressors. My clients know I’m here to help minimize the stress of buying or selling a home. I’m here for you as well if you’re considering a move within Montecito or Santa Barbara. Just give me a call or drop me an email and let’s talk. You can contact me at Cristal@Montecito-Estate.com or by calling (805) 886-9378.
