Access all County press releases at news.ventura.org/en/
- January 1, 2022 – County of Ventura transitions to in person services by appointment to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, online services encouraged, all essential services to continue
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. Read more…
- December 10, 2021 – First confirmed case of Omicron COVID-19 variant identified in Ventura County
Ventura, CA – The County of Ventura Public Health Department has received confirmation of its first case of COVID-19 with mutations consistent with the new Omicron variant (B.1.1.529). The individual, who is a fully vaccinated adult, is self-isolating, and their symptoms are improving without medical care. A small number of close contacts have been identified and, to date, all have tested negative and have no symptoms. The contacts have been asked to follow the quarantine protocol. Read more…
- November 3, 2021 – Pfizer Bio-NTech vaccine available for 5- to 11-year-olds in Ventura County
- October 22, 2021 – Moderna and Johnson & Johnson Booster Shots Available for Eligible Residents in Ventura County
- October 18, 2021 – Ventura County Health Officer extends indoor face covering order and issues criteria for lifting order | View Public Health Order Extension (10/18/21) | View Public Health Order (8/20/21)
- October 1, 2021 – California Becomes First State in Nation to Announce COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements for Schools | More Information
- September 27, 2021 – Ventura County Now Administering Pfizer Booster Shots to Eligible Residents
Ventura, CA – Following the Centers for Disease Control and the California Department of Public Health endorsements, eligible County of Ventura residents can begin receiving their booster doses at any sites offering the Pfizer vaccine. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster vaccine is recommended six months or later following the primary vaccination series for certain individuals. Read more…
- September 17, 2021 – Ventura County Public Health Extends Indoor Mask Order | Order of the Ventura County Health Officer Extending August 20, 2021 Order Requiring All Individuals in the County to Wear Face Coverings in All Indoor Public Settings and Businesses for the Control of COVID-19 | Flyer
Ventura, CA – Ventura County Public Health has extended the indoor mask order, requiring all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to wear face coverings when indoors in public settings, with limited exceptions. The order will continue to be in effect until October 19, 2021 or until it is extended,
rescinded, superseded, or amended by the Health Officer. “Our current case rate of 19.3 is still considered widespread community transmission by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the California Department of Public Health,” said Public Health Officer Doctor Robert Levin. “We need to see a continued decrease in the case rate and hospitalizations before safely lifting indoor masking requirements to help prevent future surges.” Read more…
- September 15, 2021 – County Board of Supervisors provides $70 million in 4 rounds of Business Assistance Grants
Ventura, CA – The County of Ventura Board of Supervisors has unanimously supported more than $70 million in Business Assistance Grants for small businesses throughout the County of Ventura since the summer of 2020. The Board received a report at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting of the latest status and the impact those funds are having on local businesses. More than 7,000 businesses are in the final review to receive $10,000 in grant funding. Read more…
- August 20, 2021 – Ventura County Public Health Issues New Health Order Requiring Masking Indoors
Ventura, CA – Ventura County Public Health has issued a new health order requiring all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to wear face coverings when indoors in public settings, with limited exceptions. This order will take effect at 11:59 p.m. Friday, August 20, 2021. Businesses and other public entities have until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, August 23, 2021 to comply. The order will be in effect until 11:59 pm on September 19, 2021, or until it is extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended by the Health Officer. “As of today, we reached a rate of 28 cases per 100,000, a 40% increase. I hope that this order will increase mask usage in Ventura County. I expect that this will have a beneficial effect on the increase in COVID-19 infections we are seeing,” said Public Health Officer Doctor Robert Levin. Read more…
- August 17, 2021 – Additional mRNA Dose for Immunocompromised Persons
This message is intended for all healthcare providers in the County of Ventura.
Please distribute as appropriate. Read more…
- August 5, 2021 – Public Health Advisory: Urging Vaccination and Masking Indoors
With COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continuing to rise as a result of the highly transmissible Delta variant, Ventura County Public Health officials are urging everyone that is currently eligible to get vaccinated and strongly recommending that everyone wear masks indoors in public places, regardless of vaccination status. Read more…
- August 5, 2021 – Ventura County Public Health Issues Health Advisory Urging Vaccinations and Masking Indoors
Ventura, CA – Due to the current surge, Ventura County Public Health (VCPH) is urging all Ventura County residents that are eligible but have not yet been fully vaccinated to get vaccinated as soon as possible. In alignment with state and federal health authorities, VCPH officials also continue to strongly recommend mask wearing indoors in public places regardless of vaccination status. While Ventura County continues to be aligned with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on masking, which recommends that everyone regardless of vaccination status wear masks indoors, and that requires those that are not fully vaccinated to mask indoors, officials are closely monitoring the current surge in case additional mitigation measures are needed. Read more…
- July 19, 2021 – County of Ventura Public Health Advisory: Public Health Strongly Recommends All Community Members Wear Masks Indoors to Prevent Further Spread of COVID-19
Ventura, CA – With cases of COVID-19 rising locally and increased circulation of the highly transmissible Delta variant, the County of Ventura Public Health Department strongly recommends that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, wear masks indoors in public places. This serves as an extra precautionary measure for those who are fully vaccinated and will further limit spread of the Delta variant in the community at large. Read more…
- June 3, 2021 – County’s COVID spending plan totals $373 million in support | PowerPoint File
Ventura, CA – “The pandemic impacted just about every part of our community and economy,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers. “We budgeted and allocated funds in order to address multiple community health, social and economic impacts as well as basic needs.” The County’s COVID-19 Spending Plan encompasses costs incurred by the County from March 2020 through June 30, 2021. The plan is comprised of actual costs to-date and estimated costs through the end of June 2021 reported out now as the County reaches the end of the fiscal year. Read more…
- June 1, 2021 – County of Ventura to enter Yellow Tier 12:01 am June 2
Ventura, CA – The County of Ventura will enter the least restrictive Yellow Tier in the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy at 12:01 am on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 after meeting the required metrics for the required two-week period. Today, the State has reported that Ventura County’s adjusted case rate remained in the yellow tier level by further improving from 1.5 new cases per 100,000 people to 1.2 new cases per 100,000. The overall test positivity rate remained at .7% and in health equity areas the test positivity rate dropped from 1.4% to 1.1%. Read more…
- May 25, 2021 – County of Ventura likely to reach State’s Yellow least restrictive tier 12:01 am June 2
Ventura, CA – The County of Ventura has reached the threshold for the least restrictive yellow tier in the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy for the first week of the required two-week period. If the County continues to meet that threshold for one more week the County will be able to move to the Yellow Tier on June 2 at 12:01 am. Today, the State has reported that Ventura County’s adjusted case rate has dropped from 2.4 new cases per 100,000 people to 1.5 new cases per 100,000. The overall test positivity rate dropped from 1% to .7% and in health equity areas the test positivity rate dropped from 1.8% to 1.4%.Read more…
- May 13, 2021 – Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Now Available for Youth Aged 12-15
Ventura, CA – Young people ages 12 through 15 are now eligible for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in the County of Ventura and throughout the state of California. All county run sites that are offering Pfizer are now open to vaccinate children 12-17; minors should be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible adult, and present a photo ID and verification of age. Read more…
- May 7, 2021 – Getting vaccinated is the best gift you can give this Mother’s Day
Ventura, CA – Getting vaccinated is the best gift you can give this Mother’s Day! Thanks to safe and highly effective COVID-19 vaccines, many people in the County of Ventura can celebrate Mother’s Day in person this year. Ventura County Public Health is urging all community members to get vaccinated. No appointments are needed at any County vaccine site. Read more…
- April 26, 2021 – Use of Johnson & Johnson Vaccine to Resume in Ventura County Appointments Available 4/27
Ventura, CA – On Friday, April 23, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration accepted the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendations to lift the pause in the use of the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine. Vaccine providers in Ventura County with doses of the Janssen vaccine can resume administration of the vaccine, provided they provide information from the updated Janssen fact sheet to any recipients of the vaccine. Read more…
- April 13, 2021 – Board of Supervisors Dismisses Lawsuit Against Godspeak Calvary Chapel
Ventura, CA – Reporting out from a closed session deliberation, the County of Ventura’s Board of Supervisors has issued a joint statement regarding a lawsuit against Godspeak Calvary Chapel. Read more…
- April 13, 2021 – County of Ventura to hold use of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine
Ventura, CA – Out of an abundance of caution, the County of Ventura is following the recommendation of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to pause the use of Johnson & Johnson vaccine after reports that 6 women between the ages of 18 and 48 developed unusual types of blood clots 6 to 13 days after receiving the vaccine. This pause will last until the FDA and CDC complete their review, which is expected to take several days. Read more…
- April 6, 2021 – County of Ventura to enter State’s Orange Tier 12:01 am April 7
Ventura, CA – The County of Ventura will move to the State’s Orange Tier effective Wednesday, April 7 at 12:01 am. The California Department of Public Health announced today that the County has met the State’s metrics to move forward. Read more…
- April 1, 2021 – Community Urged to Prevent COVID-19 Spread During Spring Break by Keeping it Local and Following Public Health Guidelines
Ventura, CA – The County of Ventura Public Health Department is urging the community to continue
adhering to safety guidelines aimed to reduce the spread of COVID-19, during the Easter weekend and
Spring Break. Read more…
- March 30, 2021 – County of Ventura poised to move to State’s Orange Tier Next Week. Declining Cases and Hospitalizations are a Hopeful Sign; Progress on Vaccinations Continues Despite Supply Challenges
Ventura, CA – The State of California announced today that the County of Ventura has met requirements for the State’s Orange Tier for the first week of the two-week required time frame. If the County meets the Orange Tier requirements at the next review on April 6 the County will be able to move to Orange on April 7 at 12:01 am. As with the shift to the Red Tier, the County will continue to align with the State’s framework for Orange Tier activities. Read more…
- March 26, 2021 – CA COVID‐19 Rent Relief Available to Income-Eligible Households
Ventura, CA – The State of California recently launched the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program to aid income-qualified tenants who are most at risk of eviction due to the COVID-19 pandemic by providing financial assistance for unpaid rent and utilities. Read more…
- March 25, 2021 – COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility to expand to 50+ April 1 and 16+ April 15
Ventura, CA – The State of California has announced that vaccine eligibility will expand April 1 to those 50 or older and to those 16 or older April 15. “This is exciting news for our residents. The County is aligning itself with the State on this expanded rollout and we are hopeful more vaccines will be coming soon so appointments can be secured,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors Linda Parks. Read more…
- March 16, 2021 – Board of Supervisors Dismisses 5 COVID Lawsuits Against Non-Compliant Businesses
Ventura, CA – The Board of Supervisors has unanimously voted to dismiss 5 remaining COVID-19 lawsuits
against non-compliant businesses. Read more…
- March 16, 2021 – County of Ventura moves forward to the Red Tier 12:01 am March 17. Easing restrictions for specific industries and activities following State issued guidance
Ventura, CA – The County of Ventura will move to the State’s Red Tier beginning 12:01 am Wednesday, March 17, 2021. “This is great news for our community and an opportunity to work together to support our local businesses as we move forward in reopening our economy,” said County Executive Officer, Michael Powers. Read more…
- March 9, 2021 – County of Ventura launches Second $20 million COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program. Pre-registration March 24-March 30 Applications Accepted March 31 to April 6 | Informational Flyer
Ventura, CA – The County of Ventura’s second COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program for businesses and nonprofit organizations opens for pre-registration March 24-March 30 and applications will be accepted March 31 at 8 am to April 6 at 6 pm. The $20 million assistance program offers $5,000-dollar grants for Ventura County based businesses and nonprofits who did not receive the first round of grants. Read more…
- January 25, 2021 – State of California Lifts Regional Stay at Home Order for All Regions. Ventura County in the State’s Purple Tier Effective Immediately.
Ventura, CA – The California Department of Public Health has announced that the Regional Stay Home Order has been lifted in Southern California. Four-week ICU capacity projections for the region are above 15%, the threshold that allows regions to exit the order. Read more…
- December 22, 2020 – County of Ventura Providing 91% of CARES Funding to Community. Congressional Relief Bill to provide badly needed unemployment and business support | Spending Plan (PowerPoint format)
Ventura, CA –The COVID-19 pandemic has caused severe economic and health impacts in our community. Local revenues have dropped while, at the same time, there has been an increased need for health, social and business services. Over the past ten months of response the County of Ventura has been committed to providing local assistance directly to the community. $120 million has been provided in local assistance. This support will continue into the new year. Read more…
- December 8, 2020 – SANTA BARBARA, SAN LUIS OBISPO, VENTURA COUNTIES REQUEST REMOVAL FROM SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REGION STAY HOME ORDER. County Boards of Supervisors Vote to Send Letter to State Requesting New Central Coast Region | Letter to the Governor
(SANTA BARBARA, Calif.) – Today, the Board of Supervisors from San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties issued a letter to state health officials and California Governor Gavin Newsom to request a separate Central Coast Region composed of the three counties. The letter requests that the Central Coast Region be allowed to exit the regional stay home order as a region after three weeks if the ICU capacity in the three counties exceeds 15 percent. Read more…
- December 7, 2020 – Counties of Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Seek to Exit State’s Large Southern California Region Under the Stay Home Order to Create Smaller Central Coast Region
Ventura, CA – The County of Ventura, Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo County will be seeking State approval to separate from the large Southern California Region under the State’s Stay Home Order to create a smaller tri-county Central Coast Region. The Counties will be submitting a unified request for the smaller regional approach if the tri-county ICU capacity exceeds 15% in the next three weeks. At that time the Counties will request to be assessed based on the tri-county ICU capacity and not the Southern California Regional ICU capacity. Read more…
- December 5, 2020 – State’s Stay Home Order Triggered in Southern California Region, Effective December 6, Midnight
Ventura, CA – The State of California’s Stay Home Order will go into effect on Sunday, December 6 at midnight in Ventura County and in all Counties in Southern California, after the Southern California Region’s hospital ICU capacity dropped below 15%. The order closes many businesses and activities and urges people to stay at home whenever possible. Read more…
- November 21, 2020 – Long-Term Care Facility (LTCF) COVID-19 Infection Control Recommendations during Holiday Celebrations
Over the last two weeks, Ventura County has experienced a significant rise in cases of COVID19. This increase indicates a level of community spread that intensifies the threat of COVID-19 transmission to the residents of Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs). As we enter the holiday season, adherence to the core principles of COVID-19 infection prevention must be maintained. Read more…
- November 20, 2020 – State issues Limited Stay At Home Order: Non-essential businesses and personal gatherings are prohibited between 10 PM and 5 AM. November 21 at 10 PM to 5 am December 21.
Ventura, CA – The State has issued a limited Stay at Home Order generally requiring that non-essential work, movement and gatherings stop between 10 pm and 5 am in counties in the Purple Tier per the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy. The order will take effect at 10 p.m. Saturday, November 21 and remain in effect until 5 a.m., December 21, although it may be extended or revised as needed by the State. Read more…
- November 16, 2020 – State Announces Ventura County Among 41 Counties Moved Back to Purple Tier .
Ventura, CA – Today, the State of California announced new COVID-19 Tier assignments for counties. Due to increasing case rates, Ventura County and 40 other counties in the State will move back to the more restrictive Tier 1 Purple. Businesses that are impacted by this are asked to make their operational modifications by midnight November 17, 2020. Read more…
- November 16, 2020 – Guidance for the Use of Face Coverings .
The following guidance supersedes face coverings guidance released on June 18, 2020. This updated guidance mandates that a face covering is required at all times when outside of the home, with some exceptions. Read more…
- November 10, 2020 – Board of Supervisors approves $3.65 million for Farmworker Household Assistance Program. Assistance will support farmworkers struggling from impacts of COVID-19 | En español
Ventura, CA – The County of Ventura Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved $3.65 million in federal Coronavirus Relief Funding to support the Farmworker Household Assistance Program (FHAP) to help farmworkers struggling to maintain their households due to pandemic-related hardships. Read more…
- November 6, 2020 – COVID-19 Cases Increasing in County of Ventura. Residents Urged to Use Caution. | En español
Ventura, CA – The County of Ventura Public Health Department is reporting concerning increases in COVID-19 cases. The community is urged to use caution. The best protection against COVID-19 continues to be to wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, self-isolate if you are sick, practice physical distancing, and wear a clean face covering when in contact with others from outside your household. Read more…
- November 6, 2020 – Pop Up COVID-19 Testing Offered Throughout the County
Summary: No cost, no appointment, walk-up COVID testing throughout Ventura County. Read more…
- October 16, 2020 – Board of Supervisors approves $10 Million COVID-19 Hospitals Assistance Program
Summary: The County of Ventura Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a COVID-19 Hospitals Assistance Program for local not-for-profit hospitals, in the amount of $10 million to be funded by the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund, to provide financial support to local hospitals for COVID-19 costs. Read more…
- October 13, 2020 – Guidance for Safer Halloween and Día de los Muertos Celebrations during COVID-19
Summary: This guidance outlines safer alternative ways to celebrate Halloween and Día de los Muertos during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 continues to pose a severe risk to communities and requires all Californians to follow necessary precautions in light of this ongoing risk. Read more…
- October 12, 2020 – Guidance for Private Gatherings
Summary: This guidance provides an updated plan for Californians to gather outside their household and replaces the March 16, 2020 and prior gatherings guidance. It applies to private gatherings, and all other gatherings not covered by existing sector guidance are prohibited. Gatherings are defined as social situations that bring together people from different households at the same time in a single space or place. When people from different households mix, this increases the risk of transmission of COVID-19. Read more…
- October 8, 2020 – County of Ventura’s Santa Paula COVID-19 Testing Location to Move
Ventura, CA – The County of Ventura’s drive through testing site in Santa Paula, located at 128 S. Hallock Drive, will be closed on Friday, October 9, 2020. The site will be relocated to the City of Santa Paula parking lot at the corner of E. Main Street and N. Ojai Street in Santa Paula beginning October 16, 2020. The operating hours will be Friday through Tuesday from 10 am to 7 pm. The change of location and hours will allow easy access to testing for residents. Read more…
- October 6, 2020 – County of Ventura moves to the State’s Red Tier. Allows more businesses to open indoors with modifications. County also exceeding State’s new Health Equity Metric. | Order of the Ventura County Health Officer
Ventura, CA – Thanks to recent progress being made in the fight against COVID-19 in Ventura County, businesses such as restaurants, gyms, movie theaters, massage businesses and places of worship may now open indoors, following California Department of Public Health sector specific guidance for reopening, as of 12:01 pm today. The changes come after the County qualified to move into the less restrictive red tier of the State’s four-tiered, color-coded reopening system. Until today, Ventura County had been in the state’s purple tier, the most restrictive tier. Read more…
- September 29, 2020 – County of Ventura meeting State reopening metrics. Poised to enter Red Tier in one week.
VENTURA, CA. – Today, the State of California announced that the County of Ventura has met the State COVID-19 metrics for one week. If the County meets the metrics for an additional week the State will allow the County to move into the Red Tier of the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy. “I am excited Ventura County has been cleared to go to this next phase,” said Supervisor Kelly Long, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “Ventura County has consistently exceeded the standards in five of the six initial metrics set by the state. Clearing this last hurdle is a testament to the public’s patience and adherence to safety protocols. I look forward to more latitude and flexibility for our local businesses and social activities that will help our local economy and improve our quality of life.” Read more…
- September 22, 2020 – Public Health Orders – Effective September 22, 2020 – Amending Health Orders to Allow Alcohol-Serving Establishments to Remain Open Until 11:00 PM
Effective Date of Order: September 22, 2020. Preamble. By issuance of local health orders dated July 2 and July 16, 2020, the Ventura County Health Officer limited the operations of bars, pubs, brewpubs, breweries, wineries, wine tasting rooms and other establishments that serve alcohol on-premises, including the requirement that such operations be closed to the public between 10:00 p.m. and 5 :00 a.m. The Ventura County Health Officer has determined that bars and similar operations now may remain open until 11:00 p.m. without materially compromising public health and safety. The purpose of this amendment is to implement this change. Read more…
- September 17, 2020 – Health Officer Order Issued for All Individuals Entering or Residing in Homeless Shelters and H-2A Housing | Official Health Order (En español)
Ventura, CA – The County Health Officer, Doctor Robert Levin, has issued a new Health Officer Order requiring temperature screening, self-evaluation and reporting of COVID-19 cases at all homeless shelters and H-2A housing in the County of Ventura. This Order is effective September 18 at 12:00 am. Read more…
- September 16, 2020 – Interim Halloween Guidance | Car Line Celebration Guidance
As fall approaches families start to plan for the upcoming holiday season beginning with Halloween. Since some of the traditional ways in which this holiday is celebrated does not allow you to minimize contact with non-household members, it is important to plan early and identify safer alternatives. The Ventura County Department of Public Health would like to share information on how to take part in this holiday in a manner that reduces the risk of spreading COVID-19. Since some of the traditional ways in which this holiday is celebrated are not permitted this year, consider some safer alternatives that are listed below. Read more…
- September 2, 2020 – Oxnard Vagabond Inn Under Consideration for Project HomeKey Funding | Español
Ventura, CA – The Vagabond Inn property, located in Oxnard, is under consideration for Project HomeKey Funding. Governor Newsom announced in July that $600 million in funding would become available to cities and counties across California to buy housing for Californians experiencing homelessness who are at high risk for serious illness from COVID-19. The Oxnard hotel is the first hotel in the County to be considered for the funding. Read more…
- September 2, 2020 – COVID-19 Labor Day Playbook: No gatherings. Wear masks. Hold at 6 feet. Holiday weekend is a crucial moment to get the coronavirus under control. | Español
Ventura, CA – Usually, marking the last weekend of Summer, Labor Day is traditionally a time for BBQ’s and gatherings as the last hoorah for Summer. Public Health leaders are offering a combo of encouragement and warning. Read more…
- August 31, 2020 – Order of the Ventura County Public Health Officer
Amending prior order to allow hair salons, barbershops, and malls to reopen indoor operations. Read more…
- August 28, 2020 – County Executive Office to Present Balanced Budget for FY 2020-2021 Despite COVID-19 Impacts Revised Preliminary Budget to be Presented at September 1 Board of Supervisors Meeting (En español) | Board Letter
Ventura, CA – The County Executive Office will present a Revised Preliminary Budget for FY 2020-2021 at the scheduled Board of Supervisors Meeting on September 1, 2020. “After additional months of review, we are pleased to report that, despite significant reductions in State revenues, our office will be recommending a balanced budget that sustains core County services such as health, social services and safety and significantly enhances public health capacity in order to respond to the virus,” said Mike Powers, County Executive Officer. Read more…
- August 19, 2020 – Ventura County Public Health Accepting School Waivers Allows for in person instruction when approved | Waiver Information | Guiding Principles and School Communication
Ventura, CA – Ventura County Public Health has announced today that public and private elementary schools in Ventura County can submit school waiver applications to allow in-person instruction at their campuses. The waivers cover Tk through 6th grades. Read more…
- August 19, 2020 – Ventura County Public Health Accepting School Waivers Allows for in person instruction when approved
Ventura, CA – Ventura County Public Health has announced today that public and private elementary schools in Ventura County can submit school waiver applications to allow in-person instruction at their campuses. The waivers cover Tk through 6th grades. Read more…
- August 7, 2020 – Temporary restraining order issued for violation of Public Health Orders
Ventura, CA – On Friday, August 7, 2020, the Ventura County Superior Court granted a temporary restraining order requiring Godspeak Calvary Chapel and Pastor Rob McCoy to adhere to statewide and local public health orders requiring church services to be conducted outdoors with masks and social distancing and/or online. Read more…
- August 7, 2020 – Childcare permitted on school sites following the state guidance. School waivers not yet allowed in Ventura County. | Waiver Letter
Ventura, CA – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued information this week on what it would take for elementary schools to open for in-person instruction in counties on the state monitoring list. Ventura County Public Health will consider accepting waivers once the numbers improve in the County. Read more…
- August 6, 2020 – State releases youth sports guidance. Training and conditioning permitted with restrictions
Ventura, CA –The California Department of Public Health has issued Youth Sports Guidance. Youth sports training, conditioning and physical education is now permitted in Ventura County when those activities include continuous physical distancing of at least six feet and a stable cohort, i.e. the same children at each meeting. Teams, classes, and other youth sports activities that involve contact, competitive or team play are not permitted. Read more…
- July 28, 2020 – County of Ventura to Expand Crisis Treatment Unit and Inpatient Psychiatric Unit Beds Carries out recommendations by Ventura County Mental Health & Safety Task Force | Español
The Ventura County Board of Supervisors has approved the addition of ten mental health nurses in this year’s Health Care Agency budget. These nurses are a critical component of Ventura County Medical Center’s plan to expand the Hillmont Inpatient Psychiatric Unit from 30 to 36 beds. Read more…
- July 22, 2020 – County of Ventura Response to July 2nd MICOP and CAUSE Joint Statement and July 21st Board of Supervisor Meeting Comments
Subject: County of Ventura Response to July 2nd MICOP and CAUSE Joint Statement and July 21st Board of Supervisor Meeting Comments. The County of Ventura commends the efforts of MICOP and CAUSE to address the impacts of COVID-19 on Ventura County farmworkers and their families. Farmworkers are vital members of our community that are essential to not only our economy but to providing food for the nation. Since the very onset of the pandemic the County has worked to stem the spread of COVID-19 in our communities and especially among those who are most vulnerable. As you may recall, the County of Ventura’s Public Health Officer did not hesitate to issue a public alert on March 3, 2020 advising the community to practice social distancing well before any community spread that was evidenced locally. This action was meaningful and likely slowed the spread of the virus in our community. Subsequently, on March 12, a Public Health Emergency was declared and since then the County’s Public Health Officer has abided by State guidance and orders…
Read more…
- July 16, 2020 – Order of the Ventura County Health Officer
AMENDING JULY 2, 2020, ORDER TO ALLOW BARS WITH FOOD SERVICE
AND WINERIES TO REOPEN OUTDOOR OPERATIONS
Effective Date of Order: July 16, 2020 at 10:00 p.m.Section 1 of the Ventura County Health Officer’s order dated July 2, 2020, is hereby repealed and replaced with the following provision:
“1. Bars that serve food and wineries may open outdoor operations. All bars, pubs, brewpubs, breweries and other businesses licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on their premises must close indoor operations, but may open outdoor operations if they offer sit-down, outdoor dine-in meals. Alcohol can only be sold in the same transaction as a meal. Wineries and wine tasting rooms may open outdoor operations even if they do not offer sit-down, outdoor dine-in meals…
Read more…
- July 13, 2020 – State orders additional restrictions to slow transmission of COVID-19 | Ventura County Public Health Officer Order | Statewide Public Health Officer Order
Ventura, CA – Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Department of Public Health today expanded statewide its indoor closures for businesses that encourage mixing of individuals beyond immediate households and make physical distancing and wearing face coverings difficult. Read more…
- July 11, 2020 – Ventura County Public Health Guiding Principles and Communication for School Districts
In mid-January, Ventura County Public Health (VCPH) began monitoring travelers returning from COVID-19 impacted areas and had our first case reported on March 4, 2020 in a returning traveler. Subsequently, Ventura County (VC) has taken numerous steps to curb transmission of the virus and allow time for our healthcare systems to increase their capacity to accommodate a potential surge. Ventura County declared a local health emergency on March 12, 2020 and since has issued several Public Health Officer Orders that are available at https://www.vcemergency.com/staywellvc. Read more…
- July 2, 2020 – Ventura County Public Health Officer Order – Bar Closures
July 2, 2020 – Ventura County Public Health Officer Order – Beach Closures
- July 1, 2020 – State issues guidance on closure of sectors in response to COVID-19
Ventura, CA – As COVID-19 transmission rates continue to rise, Governor Newsom issued guidance today that instructs counties that have been on the County Monitoring List for three consecutive days or more to close indoor operations for certain sectors which promote the mixing of populations beyond households and make adherence to physical distancing with face coverings difficult. Within those sectors, those that are not able to continue their business through outdoor operations must close that portion of their business effective immediately for at least three weeks, in order to further mitigate the spread of the virus. Read more…
- June 30, 2020 – Ventura County Beaches closed 4th of July weekend Gatherings prohibited to prevent the spread of COVID-19
Ventura, CA – Ventura County beaches will be closed this holiday weekend from 5:00 a.m. on July 3 through July 6 at 5 a.m. to prevent crowding that results in the spread of COVID-19. To support this effort parking lots and restrooms will also be closed. Read more…
- June 29, 2020 – Bars and similar establishments that serve food can remain open in Ventura County
Ventura, CA – The County of Ventura Public Health Department announced today that brewpubs, breweries, bars, pubs, wineries and distilleries that serve food can remain open in compliance with the State’s guidance released this weekend. The bars that would have been subject to the State recommended closures were never reopened in Ventura County due to concerns about social distancing implementation. Establishments and customers must continue to be vigilant in following all safety protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Read more…
- June 29, 2020 – COVID-19 Outbreak in Farmworker Community in Oxnard
Oxnard, CA – The Ventura County Public Health Department has responded to a COVID-19 outbreak at a farmworker housing facility in Oxnard. All residents of the facility are being tested. Currently, there are 95 positive cases with approximately 100 tests pending at the Ventura County Public Health Lab. The residents are in their 20s and 30s and currently have mild symptoms. They are being placed under quarantine or isolation depending on their test results. Read more…
- June 22, 2020 – Business Grants are Available!
Ventura County Business Assistance Program may provide vital grant funding to local businesses and nonprofit organizations in the amount of $5,000. Grants can cover costs for…Read more…
- June 20, 2020 – Ventura County and the Governor’s Guidance on Face Masks for COVID-19
On June 18, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom provided Guidance on the wearing of cloth face masks. It is important that we all do this to protect others and ourselves. I think this Guidance is reasonable and makes common sense. We know that one of the ways that COVID-19 is transmitted is through the air. Read more…
- June 19, 2020 – Ventura County Public Health Department Awarded National Reaccreditation Status – First in the State of California
Ventura, CA – The Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) has announced that the Ventura County Public Health Department is among the first 25 local public health departments in the nation and the first in the State of California to be awarded reaccreditation status. The accreditation demonstrates a consistent and continued commitment to collaborative efforts to keep communities throughout Ventura County safe. The rigorous accreditation process requires commitment to quality and performance improvement. Read more…
- June 18, 2020 – Ventura County Public Health Department issues guidance for reopening additional sectors | Espanol
VENTURA, CA – As Ventura County’s hospitalized COVD-19 cases have stabilized, the Ventura County Public Health Officer has issued new guidance permitting the reopening of additional businesses that were previously closed. Sectors that may reopen with modifications, social distancing protocols, and completion of the attestation process include, but are not limited to: … Read more…
- June 16, 2020 – Ventura County Public Health Dental Guidance – UPDATED
Dental health care personnel (DHCP) are in the “very high-risk category” for exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. For this reason, the CDC recommended postponing elective procedures, surgeries, and non-urgent dental visits during the COVID19 pandemic. However, as community transmission rates have changed, and more information about viral transmission has become available, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have issued guidance for resuming selected dental services. Read more…
- June 16, 2020 – Public Defender’s Office provides services at pop-up site outside of Hall of Justice | Mandatory Facial Coverings
Ventura, CA – The Public Defender’s Office resumed in-person services this week. There is a pop-up site located in the courtyard between the Hall of Administration and the Hall of Justice at the Ventura County Superior Court located at 800 S. Victoria Ave. The pop-up tables will be open weekdays at 8:00 a.m. and will remain open during the morning and afternoon criminal case calendars. Read more…
- June 11, 2020 – STAY WELL VC Order – Safely Reopening Ventura County Effective June 11, 2020, 11:59 p.m. | Español
Please read this Order carefully. This Order issued by the Ventura County Health Officer shall become effective at 11:59 p.m. on June 11, 2020, and shall replace the Health Officers May 29, 2020 Order. Any prior violations of the previous orders remain prosecutable, criminally or civilly. Pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 120295 et seq., violation of or failure to comply with this Order is a misdemeanor punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both. Read more…
- June 05, 2020 – California Public Health Officials Provide COVID-19 Updates
SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Public Health today announced the most recent statistics on COVID-19. California has 122,901 confirmed cases and 4,485 deaths. To date 2,238,463 tests conducted in California, with an increase of 55,792 tests over the prior 24-hour reporting period. As testing capacity continues to increase across the state, an increase in the number of positive cases has been expected. However California remains in the range of stability for case positivity rate and COVID19 related hospitalizations. Despite increased testing and the reopening of certain sectors of the economy, California’s case positivity rate is at 4.5 percent and the number of hospitalizations has decreased by 2.9 percent over the last 14 days. Read more…
- June 01, 2020 – Long Term Care Facility Visitation Guidance
Seniors in Long-Term Care Facilities (LTCF) have been denied visits from friends and family members for more than two months due to concerns about bringing COVID-19 infections into the LTCF. Such introductions of this virus have been deadly on a number of occasions at sites outside of Ventura County. Yet seniors, deprived of visits from their loved ones, may experience significant psychosocial harm due to isolation. Read more…
- June 01, 2020 – Pool Guidance for Residential HOA Pools
COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, is a respiratory
illness that is spread through the air via respiratory droplets from an infected person or
by touching contaminated surfaces. It is not likely spread through properly maintained
and disinfected pool water. Symptoms of the virus include fever, cough, and/or
shortness of breath. Read more… (https://docs.vcrma.org/images/pdf/eh/covid19/Non-Residential_Pools_-_COVID_Protocol_6-11.pdf)
- May 29, 2020 – STAY WELL VC Order – Safely Reopening Ventura County Effective May 29, 2020, 11:59 p.m. | Español
Please read this Order carefully. This Order issued by the Ventura County Health Officer shall become effective at 11:59 p.m. on May 29, 2020. At that time, all current Orders of the Ventura County Health Officer shall expire and no longer be of any force or effect, except any and all prior violations of the previous orders remain prosecutable, criminally or civilly. Pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 120295 et seq., violation of or failure to comply with this Order is a misdemeanor punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both. Read more…
- May 28, 2020 – Board of Supervisors Approves $20 Million Economic Stabilization and Recovery Programs | Español
VENTURA, CA. – The County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously for County staff to finalize a $20 million Economic Stabilization and Recovery Program aimed at providing relief to Ventura County businesses and families by utilizing funding from the Federal Coronavirus Relief Fund. The programs aim to provide funding to those struggling from the impacts of COVID-19. Read more…
- May 27, 2020 – Car Line Celebration Public Health Protocol
At this time, Ventura County Public Health is allowing car line celebrations for graduations, birthdays, and other special days. When followed, the Car Line Celebration Public Health Protocol will minimize the risk of spread of COVID-19. The car line must be organized by a designated host who is responsible for ensuring full compliance with the protocol and adherence to the State Health Officer’s Stay at Home Order, which precludes mass gatherings. Read more…
- May 20, 2020 – Hair Salons and Barbershops Permitted to Reopen
Ventura, CA – The Governor announced today that hair salons and barbershops in most California counties can reopen as the state moves forward on the path to reopening. The County of Ventura was approved for a state variance last week allowing the County to move faster through California’s reopening phases. This allows for local hair salons and barbershops to reopen. Read more…
- May 20, 2020 – County of Ventura Approved by State for Accelerated Reopening | Variance to Stage 2 of California’s Roadmap to Modify the Stay-at-Home Order
Ventura, CA – The County of Ventura is the first and largest Southern California County to receive approval from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to move forward on an accelerated Stage 2 path to reopening. With this approval, Ventura County restaurants can now offer dine-in options and all retail businesses with exterior facing entrances are permitted to have customers inside of their stores. Read more…
- May 20, 2020 – Punch Bowls Trail Closure
The US Forest Service has announced that they will close the Punch Bowls/Santa Paula Canyon trail for two weeks starting on Saturday, May 23. The trail is located along State Highway 150 north of the City of Santa Paula. Parking areas near the trail will be closed or restricted and citations may be issued. Illegally parked vehicles will be subject to tow.
- May 18, 2020 – 700,000 Masks Being Distributed to Agricultural Community
The Ventura County Office of Emergency Services, and the California Departments of Food and Agriculture, and Pesticide Regulations together have provided over 700,000 facemasks to help provide protection to farmworkers and other agricultural operations. The Agricultural Commissioner’s Office has been reaching out to growers, farm labor contractors, packer/shippers and pest control businesses to make arrangement to distribute masks from the Commissioner’s offices in Camarillo and Santa Paula. Read more…
- May 18, 2020 – COVID-19 Notice: Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office Open by Appointment Only Beginning May 19, 2020
The Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office is committed to public service and even during this challenging time, for complicated cases, we want to offer taxpayers the opportunity to speak directly to our staff while our office is closed. Read more…
- May 14, 2020 – Ventura County Public Health Dental Guidance
Dental health care personnel (DHCP) are in the “very high-risk category” for exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The CDC recommends postponing elective procedures, surgeries, and non-urgent dental visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. The California Department of Public Health put out guidance on May 7, 2020 for resuming selected dental services. This guidance relies on low community transmission rates and ample supplies of PPE at the county level. Read more…
- May 12, 2020 – More Business Permitted to Reopen in County of Ventura
VENTURA, Calif. – The County of Ventura announces that more businesses are permitted to reopen on the State’s Roadmap to reopening. Governor Newsom announced modifications to the State-wide stay-at-home order today. The State has added more businesses to Early Stage 2. The Governor announced that Counties, under the guidance of the Public Health Officer, can move forward in reopening office-based businesses, car washes, pet groomers, outdoor museums and other public spaces. Read more…
- May 7, 2020 – Stay Well VC – Safely Reopening Ventura County | STAY WELL VC Public Health Order
VENTURA, Calif. – The County of Ventura has reached an important milestone for our community, County and our local economy. The Public Health Officer announced today a new modified Stay Well VC Health Order to align with the State of California’s four-stage framework for reopening. The County will move forward with the State’s Stage 2 of reopening lower-risk businesses on May 8, 2020. This will allow retail businesses, such as clothing stores, bookstores, sporting goods stores and florists, for example, to reopen with curb side delivery, as well as the related manufacturing and supply chain businesses. Read more…
- May 3, 2020 – County of Ventura Expanded COVID-19 Testing
Community transmission of COVID-19 continues to occur in Ventura County. Testing for COVID-19 has expanded to multiple locations throughout the County. Any Ventura County resident who meets the following criteria may schedule an appointment for testing by calling a State Location, at 1-888-634-1123, or County’s Ambulatory Urgent Care-sponsored testing site hotline, at 805-652-7660. Read more…
- May 2, 2020 – Updated Parking along Pacific Coast Highway
- April 23, 2020 – Beach Visitors Urged to Follow Social Distancing Guidelines
- April 22, 2020 – County of Ventura Prepares for Reopening
- April 20, 2020 – County of Ventura Takes Steps Forward on Road to Reopening – Public Health Officer Extends Modified Stay Well At Home Order | View the Order
- April 17, 2020 – Status of Ventura County Park System – County of Ventura to Reopen Parks – 4/17/20, 5 pm
- April 16, 2020 – County of Ventura Works with Community Partners to Bring Antibody Tests to Region (Español)
- April 15, 2020 – Agricultural Commissioner Issues Advisory for Agricultural Worker Protection During COVID-19 Crisis (Español) | Advisory (Español)
- April 9, 2020 – Public Health Officer Issues New Stay Well at Home Order |
New Public Health Order | Appendix A Social Distancing Protocol Form | Hospital Holding Unit Guidance for COVID-19 - April 7, 2020 – District Attorney Investigating Price Gouging Complaints (source: District Attorney Website March 20, 2020) | Español
- April 7, 2020 – Law Enforcement Warns Against Price Gouging (source: District Attorney Website March 17, 2020) | Español
- April 2, 2020 – New public health comments about masks | Face Mask Flyer
- Mar. 31, 2020 – Modified Stay Well at Home Public Health Order | Español
- Mar. 23, 2020 – Personal Protective Equipment Donations Needed for Local Hospitals, First Responders and Medical Facilities in Ventura County | Español
- Mar. 23, 2020 – An Important Message from Law Enforcement | Español
- Mar. 20, 2020 – Stay Well At Home: In effect Friday, March 20, 11:59 pm (Español) | Stay Well at Home Order (Español)
- Mar. 18, 2020, 6:51 p..m. – COVID-19 Update | Español
- Mar. 18, 2020 – Mar. 18, 2020 – SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Small Businesses in California Economically Impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19) | Español
- Mar. 18, 2020 – 5 Community Transmission Cases Announced | Español
- Mar. 17, 2020 – County of Ventura Government Buildings Closing to Public Effective March 18 | Español || Public Health Order | Español
- Mar. 16, 2020 – Ventura County Public Health Provides Guidance on COVID-19 Testing | Español
- Mar. 14, 2020 – Child’s Results Negative from Children’s Hospital LA and VC Public Health | Español
- Mar. 13, 2020 – 2 Presumptive Positive Cases Announced | Español
- Mar. 13, 2020 – Ventura County School Closures (vcemergency.com)
- Mar. 12, 2020 – County of Ventura Declares Local Health Emergency in Response to Novel Coronavirus Activity | Declaration of Local Health Emergency | Español
- Mar. 11, 2020 – Ventura County Public Health COVID-19 Update: 2nd Presumptive Positive Case Reported | Español
- Mar. 06, 2020 – Ventura County Public Health reports one presumptive positive case of COVID-19 | Español
- Mar. 03, 2020 – Coronavirus (COVID-19) Preparedness: Public Health Urges Preparedness for Social Distancing | Español
- Feb. 28, 2020 – Public Health update novel coronavirus | Español
- Feb. 24, 2020 – Statement from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on potential use of Naval Base Ventura County – Point Mugu for quarantine | Español
- Feb. 13, 2020 – Update from Ventura County Public Health: Test Results are Negative for Pending Novel Coronavirus Case in Ventura County | Español
- Feb. 10, 2020 – Update from Ventura County Public Health on 2019 Novel Coronavirus | Español
- Feb. 5, 2020 – What you need to know about 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) | Español
- Feb. 2, 2020 – Ventura County Public Health Department Safety Alert – Novel Coronavirus | Español
For the most up to date information regarding the 2019 novel coronavirus, please visit
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html