Isolation and Quarantine
People who don’t have symptoms can spread COVID-19.
If you have a COVID exposure or diagnosis:
- Stay home for at least 5 days AND
- Test on Day 5 (or stay home a total of at least 10 days if not testing) AND
- Wear a well-fitting mask around others for 10 days after your positive test or your last day of contact with someone who has COVID.
Community Safety Guidance: What to Do After COVID Diagnosis or Exposure / Guías de Sanidad Comunitaria: Que hacer después de diagnosis o exposición al COVID
Read CDPH guidance
COVID Testing
When to Test:
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If you have symptoms
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If anyone in your household or someone you’ve been in contact with tests positive for COVID.
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Whenever you or a member of your household feels sick, even with mild symptoms.
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Before you visit someone who is immunocompromised.
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Before and after gatherings and travel.
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Any time you want peace of mind.
Testing Locations
Hours and availability are subject to change. Please confirm details with your preferred location. Most locations require an appointment for testing.
- Santa Barbara Public Health Department
- Cottage Urgent Care - Appointments are required for COVID testing. We are not able provide a COVID test to anyone who has already tested positive for COVID in the last 30 days.
- Cottage Virtual Care - Online assessment available 24/7
- Pharamacies and Other Healthcare Providers - Select pharmacies offer COVID vaccine and testing options onsite, and self-test kits may be available for purchase. Availability and price varies by location. Please check websites for details.
COVID Vaccine FAQ
GETTING A VACCINE
Visit vaccines.gov or My Turn to find COVID-19 vaccine providers near you. Or call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 888-720-7489). Vaccine providers offer first, second and booster doses.
Everyone age 5 and over is eligible for Pfizer vaccine.
Everyone age 18 and over is eligible for any of the three vaccines: Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson. Any of the vaccines can be used for a booster.
CDC recommends use of mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna).
More details from CDC on vaccine.
Getting a booster dose of vaccine
A booster dose is recommended for everyone age 12 and over.
Those age 12-18 are eligible for Pfizer vaccine booster.
Age 18 and over are eligible for any of the three vaccines for a booster.
When should you get a booster?
If at least 5 months have passed since completing the primary COVID-19 vaccination with Pfizer or Moderna.
If at least 2 months have passed since the initial dose of Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Get a booster as soon as possible when you are eligible, to help protect yourself and our community from the spread of variants.
How do I sign up if I don’t have a computer?
Call the National Vaccine Hotline: 1-800-232-0233 or the California COVID-19 Hotline at 1-833-422-4255 (M-F 8am-8pm, Sa-Su 8am-5pm).
Do I need an appointment?
Please check with your provider or pharmacy.
VACCINE IS AVAILABLE AT NO COST TO YOU
There is no charge for the COVID-19 vaccine.
Insurance is not required to receive vaccine. If you do have insurance, your insurance company may be billed for vaccine administration, but there will be no cost to you.
If you receive the COVID-19 vaccine during a hospital stay or a clinical care visit for reasons other than the vaccination, you may be charged for the hospital or clinical care visit.
If you receive an EOB (explanation of benefits) summary from your insurer and have any questions, please call your insurer or vaccine provider.
HOW CAN I GET A COPY OF MY VACCINE RECORD?
MORE OPTIONS AND UPDATES
Are there other places to get vaccine?
For help finding a vaccine anywhere in the US, go to vaccines.gov or call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 888-720-7489)
My Turn is the hub for vaccine scheduling in California.
Pharmacies and healthcare providers may list additional details on their websites.
Visit the Santa Barbara County Public Health website for other updates: https://publichealthsbc.org/vaccine/
How many people are vaccinated in Santa Barbara County?
Find current vaccination numbers at Santa Barbara County Community Data Dashboard
Information & Education
A listing of information, education and resources from Cottage Health and community organizations.
COVID-19 Reports
Cottage Health is providing ongoing care for our community and has isolation precautions in place for COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses.
New Visitor Policy -- Screening and Safety Requirements
For the safety of our hospitals, visitors may be restricted based on community rate of COVID transmission. As of January 5, 2022, Cottage Health has no visitors for most patients, with limited exceptions based on clinical area and urgent need.
For the limited exceptions when visitors are approved, requirements to visit include:
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Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, including booster if eligible. Proof of vaccination may be your COVID-19 Vaccine Record Card (printed or digital), California-issued QR code, or printed immunization record from your healthcare provider.
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- Record of a negative COVID-19 test received within 48 hours prior to each visit.
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All visitors, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a medical-grade mask at all times within the facility.
Cottage Health continues ongoing care with a commitment to quality and safety for all patients, visitors and staff.
Information & Education
A listing of information, education and resources from Cottage Health and community organizations.
Visiting Cottage
Temporary Restriction of Hospital Visitors
Hospital Visitor Policy Update
To protect the health of vulnerable patients and essential health care workers, it is necessary at this time for our hospitals to limit visits.
Temporary Restriction of Hospital Visitors
Effective January 5, 2022 Cottage Health will stop visits to patients at all of our hospitals.
- For most patients, this will mean no visitors are permitted.
- Limited exceptions may be authorized based on clinical area and urgent need.
To maintain hospital safety for ongoing care, Cottage Health continues to use both Public Health Department recommendations and the current community transmission rate in making decisions on temporary visitor limitations. Please call ahead for specific guidance on visiting a patient.
Wellness
Wellness Resources
- Overall Health and Well-Being - A listing of articles & resources from Cottage Health and community partners.
- Mental Health Resources for Children and Families - The emotional impacts of COVID-19 are impacting many children, teens, and families. This can increase stress and lead to anxiety or depression.
- Managing Coronavirus Anxiety - While COVID-19 should be taken seriously, there are ways to manage the anxieties and fears surrounding it.
- Mental Health Resources - The emotional impacts of COVID-19 may be impacting you. We are living in new norms of social distancing, isolation and societal changes. This can increase stress and lead to anxiety or depression.
- Healthy Coping During Isolation - Paul Erickson, MD, Medical Director of Psychiatry & Addiction Services at Cottage Health, provides tips on stress management.
- Resources for Caretakers - Materials to Help Children of All Ages Cope with COVID-19
- Staying Emotionally Fit - Having tools to manage isolation and stay healthy both emotionally and physically are essential through this time of being quarantined.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics Advises Parents Experiencing Stress over COVID-19 - Academy recommends parents seek help for themselves, and use positive discipline techniques like time outs, redirection and reinforcement of good behaviors.
- Parents Guide to Injury Prevention - Tips for keeping your kids safe at home
- Birth Center - Frequently Asked Questions During COVID-19 Precautions - Cottage Health is committed to providing a safe and comfortable birth experience to protect you and your baby.
- Breastfeeding Your Baby Amidst COVID-19 Precautions - Not only is it safe to breastfeed your baby, it is recommended.
- Virtual Birth Center Tour - Take a brief tour of the Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Birth Center and receive important information on what to expect during your stay with us.
- Free Online Resources for Families During Quarantine - Free online experiences for you and your family to share during quarantine.
- Children and Coronavirus - Tips to keep children healthy while school’s out.
Masks
Mask Guides
Masks are an important tool to prevent spread of COVID infection.
CDPH Guide
CDPH Crisis Care
CDPH Crisis Care Guidelines
Cottage Health is responding to the ongoing and surging COVID-19 pandemic. Our care continuum plan for surge operations and crisis care during public emergency is guided California Department of Public Health’s framework on best practices, ethical principles and commitment to equity in care.
Crisis Care Guidelines
Note on website images: Photographs in our hospitals showing groups without masks were taken prior to March 2020.
