Santa Barbara County is taking steps to reopening society and our economy within the framework of Governor Newsom’s Resilience Roadmap. To support implementation of the roadmap for phased reopening, a localized supplemental guide has been produced – the Santa Barbara County RISE Guide (Reopening In Safe Environment). The RISE Guide was developed by medical experts and supported by feedback from all sectors of the community to create a science-based framework for residents, businesses and organizations by which to reopen in a phased manner, while prioritizing public health and protecting our most vulnerable populations.
The RISE Guide outlines the steps for reopening that can be safely taken in our community, balanced with the importance of resuming individual and economic activities as the COVID-19 epidemic evolves. The reopening approach is broken down into four phases, each with public health criteria for moving to and from phases:
- Stage 1: Safety & Preparedness
- Stage 2: Lower Risk Workplaces
- Stage 3: Higher Risk Workplaces
- Stage 4: End of Stay-at-Home Order
The RISE Guide is available at https://recoverysbc.org/the-rise-guide/. You can also visit ReadySBC.org for great information to help businesses and residents in the recovery phase.
The County of Santa Barbara has formed the RISE Ambassador Team to conduct outreach, business check-ins and confirm that safety standards and operating restrictions are being followed by business operators and patrons.
Comprised of members from the Community Wellness Team, RISE Ambassadors help local businesses through providing education, resources and support to help with understanding the guidelines for reopening and ensuring the public enjoys a safe re-opening of businesses. The Community Wellness Team is a collaboration of local agencies working together to support wellness of our community in Santa Barbara County.
Bilingual Ambassadors are available countywide and supplied with literature for businesses and customers on ideas and ways to remain in compliance, and helpful reminders of how to protect one another by wearing face coverings, and by following protocols for physical distancing and personal hygiene.
To request assistance from a RISE Ambassador, please call the County Call Center at (888) 633-5551 or the Community Wellness Team at (805) 364-2750.