Press release from the Humboldt County Public Health Division:

Four Humboldt County residents have died from COVID-19, including a person in their 50s, two in their 60s and one over the age of 80. Department Operations Center staff share their sympathies with the family, friends and caregivers of those who have died.

Four hospitalizations have also been reported, including three people in their 60s and one in their 70s. Forty new cases of COVID-19 have been reported, bringing to 8,329 the total number of residents who have tested positive for the virus.

On Wednesday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave emergency use authorization for Pfizer’s COVID-19 booster shot for people 65 and older and other vulnerable residents six months after completing their first two doses, but excluded those at risk because of their jobs. Additional reviews are pending.

California Department of Public Health (CDPH) officials reported today that “as part of the long-established, multi-step process CDPH follows for every COVID-19 vaccine related decision, we will take recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup on administrating booster doses before taking action. CDPH is working with local partners and health care providers to ensure California is ready to immediately begin administering booster doses to eligible Californians once these recommendations have been made.”

A news release issued by the Governor’s office this morning said that when final approvals have been received, the MyTurn vaccination scheduling platform will launch a booster eligibility screener and appointment finder so residents can find walk-in opportunities and appointments near them. The site will also text residents when they are eligible for a booster, the news release stated. State preparations are also underway on the vaccine’s supply side to make sure providers can meet the demand for additional doses.

The CDC continues to recommend avoiding large events and gatherings in areas of high COVID-19 transmission, which includes Humboldt County. Public Health officials encourage organizers to consider postponing or canceling local events at this time.

For those who choose to hold a gathering or event, CDC offers guidance to help prevent the spread of the virus, and officials strongly recommend the use of as many of these risk reduction measures as possible. Those include masking, physical distancing, enhanced ventilation, modified layouts, handwashing, vaccination verification, pre-entry questionnaires, pre-entry testing, signage and other messaging that clearly instructs attendees on the use of these measures.

CDC says virtual events are the safest alternative to in-person gatherings. The CDC’s guidance on safer events can be read at Activities, Gatherings & Holidays. Local guidance is available in English and Spanish at the county’s COVID FAQ page at humboldtgov.org/COVIDFAQs

Residents who are unvaccinated, experiencing symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus are advised to get tested for COVID-19. 

Testing is available at most Public Health vaccine clinics, with options for testing, vaccination or both, and these services are provided free of charge. Combo clinics will be held over the next week in multiple locations from Redway to Trinidad.

COVID-19 testing continues in Eureka from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week at the Wharfinger Building at 1 Marina Way. The test site is operated by OptumServe and located in the Bay Room on the lower floor of the building. The site is closed from 11 a.m. to noon and 4 to 5 p.m. for staff meal breaks. Walk-ins are welcome, but preregistration is recommended. Sign up at lhi.care/covidtesting.

Walk-ins are welcome at most locations, and appointments can be made in advance at MyTurn.ca.gov. For instructions in English and Spanish on how to use My Turn, go to humboldtgov.org/VaccineInfo. 

See the schedule below for specific clinic dates, times, locations and available services

Arcata — Friday, Sept. 24, 9 a.m. to noon
     D Street Neighborhood Center (1301 D St.)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available

Eureka — Friday, Sept. 24, 1 to 4 p.m.
     Transition-Age Youth Division (433 M St.)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available

McKinleyville — Saturday, Sept. 25, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
     Church of the Joyful Healer (1944 Central Ave.)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available

Arcata — Saturday, Sept. 25, noon to 2 p.m.
     Carlson Park (5201 Carlson Park Drive)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available

Redway — Sunday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
     Redwoods Rural Health Center (101 West Coast Road)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
      PCR and rapid testing available

Eureka — Monday, Sept. 27, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Closed from noon to 1 p.m.
     Public Health (529 I St.)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     Testing NOT available

Willow Creek — Tuesday, Sept. 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
     Public Health (77 Walnut Way)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available

Garberville — Wednesday, Sept. 29, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
     Public Health (727 Cedar St.)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available

McKinleyville — Thursday, Sept. 30, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
     Dollar General (1180 Murray Road)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available

Trinidad — Thursday, Sept. 30, 4 to 7 p.m.
     Trinidad Town Hall (409 Trinity St.)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available

COVID-19 vaccination is also available at local pharmacies. To check availability of a specific vaccine, visit vaccines.gov, or text your ZIP code to 438829 to locate a pharmacy offering vaccines nearby. Most pharmacies allow walk-ins.

Pfizer is authorized for those 12 and older, and Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are authorized for people age 18 and older. County residents age 16 and 17 can receive a vaccination at Public Health clinics without a parent or guardian physically present as long as they have a signed consent form. Children under 16 still must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.

View the Data Dashboard online at humboldtgov.org/dashboard, or go to humboldtgov.org/DashboardArchives to download data from a previous time.

For the most recent COVID-19 information, visit cdc.gov or cdph.ca.gov. Local information is available at humboldtgov.org or by contacting covidinfo@co.humboldt.ca.us or calling 707-441-5000.

Sign up for COVID-19 vaccination: MyTurn.ca.gov
Check for vaccine availability at a local pharmacy: Vaccines.gov
Local COVID-19 vaccine information: humboldtgov.org/VaccineInfo
Humboldt County COVID-19 Data Dashboard: humboldtgov.org/Dashboard
Follow us on Facebook: @HumCoCOVID19
Instagram: @HumCoCOVID19
Twitter: @HumCoCOVID19
Humboldt Health Alert: humboldtgov.org/HumboldtHealthAlert
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