Press release from the Humboldt County Public Health Division:

A Humboldt County resident over the age of 80 has died with COVID-19, the county’s 58^th death attributed to the virus. The staff of the Department Operations Center offer their condolences to the person’s family, friends and caregivers. 

Ninety new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Humboldt County today. Two previously reported cases were determined to be from another jurisdiction and were removed from the county’s total hospitalization count. The total number of county residents who have tested positive for the virus now stands at 5,929.

Nine new hospitalizations were also reported today, and two previously reported hospitalizations were found to be from another jurisdiction and removed. The age ranges of those newly hospitalized are as follows:

• Two people in their 30s
• One in their 40s
• Two in their 50s
• Two in their 60s
• One in their 70s
• One over the age of 80.

Given the rapid spread of cases locally, health officials urge anyone with cold-like symptoms to get tested for COVID-19. No-cost testing is available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week through the OptumServe site at Eureka’s Wharfinger Building. Starting Monday, Aug. 16, testing will also be offered in an additional location in the county most weekdays. OptumServe testing locations, days and times:

• Eureka – Seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (1 Marina Way)
• McKinleyville – Mondays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Azalea Hall, 1620 Pickett Road) 
• Fortuna – Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (River Lodge Conference Center, 1800 Riverwalk Dr.)
• Hoopa – Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Tsewenaldin Inn, 12482 CA-96)
• Arcata – Fridays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (D Street Neighborhood Center, 1301 D St.) This test site opens Friday, Aug. 20.

Currently, demand for testing is the highest it has been in months. Making an appointment is the best way to ensure a test is available when needed. Register in advance at lhi.care/covidtesting or by calling 888-634-1123.

In addition to public testing sites, at-home polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and less sensitive rapid antigen test kits are available through local pharmacies and online vendors. Anyone who tests positive using either type of test should isolate for at least 10 days and consult with their doctor, or call the Joint Information Center at 707-441-5000 to speak with a Public Health Nurse. Resources for infected individuals and caregivers can be found at humboldtgov.org/blanketorders. 

Health officials widely agree that getting vaccinated remains the single most important thing eligible residents can do to prevent serious illness from COVID-19 while also offering protection to those who aren’t able to get vaccinated. All available vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe outcomes, hospitalizations and death from the virus. Vaccine is available at Public Health clinics located throughout the county, and walk-ins are welcome. To make an appointment in advance, go to MyTurn.ca.gov.

See the schedule of upcoming Public Health clinics below: 

Garberville – Friday, Aug. 13, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
     Garberville Farmers’ Market (Garberville Town Square at Church St.)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson

Redway – Friday, Aug. 13, from 4:15 to 5 p.m.
     Dean Creek RV Park (4112 Redwood Dr.)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson

Fortuna – Sunday, Aug. 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
     Fortuna River Lodge (1800 Riverwalk Dr.)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson

Ferndale – Wednesday, Aug. 18, from noon to 3 p.m.
     Humboldt County Fair – Belotti Hall (1250 Fifth St.)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson

Ferndale – Thursday, Aug. 19, from noon to 3 p.m.
     Humboldt County Fair – Belotti Hall (1250 Fifth St.)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson

Most local pharmacies also offer COVID-19 vaccines, and many allow walk-ins. Visit vaccines.gov to check availability, or text a ZIP code to 438829 to find a participating pharmacy nearby.

The Pfizer vaccine is approved for children as young as 12 years old. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are authorized for those 18 and older. Full protection from the vaccine is achieved two weeks after receiving the second dose of a two-dose series or two weeks after receiving a single-dose vaccine.

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.

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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