From the Humboldt County Joint Information Center:

An approximately 50-person gathering in Humboldt has resulted in 22 positive COVID-19 cases so far. Health officials said the gathering, characterized as a party of individuals from different households and from outside the area, took place two and a half weeks ago.

Humboldt County Health Officer Dr. Teresa Frankovich noted that gatherings of any number outside of a household or living unit remain formally prohibited by state and local orders.

“This is why gatherings outside your household unit are risky. We are seeing positive COVID-19 cases in people who did not attend the event, because as individuals at the party became ill, they exposed others unrelated to the event.”

“Having a party or wedding or any other kind of gathering is a choice that not only impacts you, it impacts your community,” Frankovich added. “Staying within your household unit is safest but if you are going to socialize outside your household, please do it as safely as possible. Keep the group to no more than 4-6 people; gather outdoors only; wear masks unless you are at least 6 feet apart; bring your own food and beverages; carry and use hand sanitizer and if possible, socialize only with this small consistent group. It is up to all of us to do the things that will allow our businesses to stay open and our children to get back to and stay in school.”

Testing of participants and their close contacts is ongoing. Additional positives are anticipated.

Additional information about the event will not be provided to protect the medical confidentiality of those involved.