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Ventura, CA –The County of Ventura will close its buildings to the public effective Wednesday, January 5, for a three-week period, as a precautionary measure to slow the spread of COVID-19. Services will continue to be available online at www.ventura.org and by appointment at 805-654-5000. The health conditions will be monitored, and a reopening date will be announced after the three-week period.
“Our County is committed to the continuity of all services while helping to protect community members and County employees. Services will continue as we temporarily modify operations. Community members are encouraged to take advantage of on-line services or schedule an appointment in advance,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers. “I appreciate the dedicated service of our nearly 10,000 County employees as they continue to respond to the pandemic and carry-on essential services without delay. I also appreciate our community members as we work together to move forward.”
All 25 County agencies will continue to operate and provide services. This includes health, social services, public safety, public works and more. A full list of County agencies is available at: www.ventura.org/departments/. When possible, telework is encouraged. Online services offered by the County of Ventura can be viewed at www.ventura.org/online-services/.
Ventura County Library Branches will continue to provide curbside walk up holds pick up and will also be available to provide access to library materials including Computer Kits with internet access. Online programs continue to be available including e-books, databases, virtual services such as live homework assistance and more. More information at www.vencolibrary.org.
“More people are infectious and spreading the virus indoors,” said Public Health Officer Doctor Robert Levin. “Taking these steps – limiting close contacts, wearing a mask indoors to prevent getting infected and infecting others, isolating when symptomatic, testing and getting vaccinated – can reduce the likelihood of severe COVID affecting you, your family, and community.”
As of Friday, December 31 there are 1,052 new COVID-19 cases reported, 109 community members hospitalized and 18 in the ICU. The 7 -day average case rate has increased to 46 per 100,000. “The increase in cases is almost double our high during the summer Delta surge,” said Public Health Director Rigoberto Vargas. Health officials attribute the increase to holiday gatherings and the more contagious Omicron variant. The risk of community transmission of COVID-19 is currently very high.
Up to date information about Covid-19 is available at www.vcrecovers.org.
