Press release from the Humboldt County Joint Information Center:

Sixteen additional cases of COVID-19 were reported in Humboldt County today. Two previously reported cases were removed after one was determined to be a duplicate and another was from a jurisdiction outside of the county. The total number of county residents who have tested positive now stands at 3,799. 

Genomic sequencing of local COVID-19 samples conducted by the federal government has confirmed the first case of the B.1.1.7. variant, often referred to as the UK variant, in Humboldt County. Public Health case investigators determined that this case was not associated with travel, which indicates it was most likely contracted through community spread.  

The B.1.1.7. variant has been listed as a Variant of Concern by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and is believed to spread more easily due to mutations of the virus’s spike protein. Public Health officials say the presence of this variant locally is concerning given this increased transmissibility but not surprising given how broadly it has spread statewide. Officials went on to say that vaccination paired with prevention measures like masking, handwashing and avoiding gatherings is the most effective way to limit spread of the B.1.1.7. or any other variant of COVID-19. 

Thousands of appointments for the Pfizer vaccine are available this week, and clinics are planned at Fortuna High School and Arcata Community Center. All county residents age 16 and older can schedule a first or second dose appointment. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and provide proof of age.  

See the schedule of Pfizer clinics below: 

• Arcata Community Center – Wednesday, April 28; Thursday, April 29; Friday, April 30; Saturday, May 1; Sunday, May 2 (walk-in hours from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
• Fortuna High School – Saturday, May 1.  

For appointment times and to register, go to MyTurn.ca.gov. 

View the Humboldt County Data Dashboard online at humboldtgov.org/dashboard, or go to humboldtgov.org/DashboardArchives to download today’s data. 

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. 

Some Safeway, CVS Pharmacy, Rite Aid, Walgreen’s and Walmart locations are offering COVID-19 vaccination appointments. Learn who is eligible for vaccination and see if there are appointments available at one of these locations by clicking on the links below.

Safeway: mhealthappointments.com/covidappt
CVS Pharmacy: cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine?icid=cvs-home-hero1-link2-coronavirus-vaccine
Rite Aid: https://www.riteaid.com/covid-19
Walgreen’s: walgreens.com/findcare/vaccination/covid-19
Walmart: walmart.com/cp/1228302

Sign up for COVID-19 vaccination: MyTurn.ca.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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