Press release from the Humboldt County Public Health Division:

Ninety-one new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in the county today. The total number of residents who have tested positive for the virus now stands at 6,252. Two new hospitalizations were also reported, including one person in their 30s and another in their 40s.

As some schools start this week, the State of California is requiring that all students and staff wear face coverings in all indoor spaces. Masks are also required outdoors in crowded settings in Humboldt County, like school playgrounds and sports fields, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in areas of high transmission. 

For students who cannot wear a mask due to medical conditions, disabilities or mental health conditions, parents may request an exemption form through their school administration. This form requires the signature of a medical provider. The Pfizer vaccine is also available for children 12 and older. 

The CDC is recommending third doses of mRNA vaccines Pfizer or Moderna for those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised. The third dose should be the same vaccine as the initial series and administered at least four weeks after completing a primary mRNA COVID-19 vaccine series. Those who want to know if a third dose is right for them should consult their primary care provider. 

While the CDC is not currently recommending boosters for any other population, studies are ongoing. In addition to studies of the mRNA vaccines, makers of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine are conducting clinical trials of second doses, with results expected later this month. 

Depending on the results of these studies and the authorization of the Food and Drug Administration, the CDC may recommend boosters more broadly as early as mid-September. Nursing home residents, health care workers and emergency workers would be the first to receive boosters, followed by adults age 65 and older and then the general population. 

All available vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization 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: 

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

Scotia – Wednesday, Aug. 18, from 5 to 7 p.m.
     Scotia Lodge parking lot (100 Main St.)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson

Orick – Thursday, Aug. 19, from noon to 2 p.m.
     Orick Elementary School (120918 Hwy. 101)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson

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

Trinidad – Thursday, Aug. 19, from 4 to 7 p.m.
     Trinidad Elementary School (300 Trinity St.)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson

Ferndale – Friday, Aug. 20, from noon to 3 p.m.
     Humboldt County Fair – main parking lot (1250 Fifth St.)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson

Carlotta – Friday, Aug. 20, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
     Cuddeback Elementary (300 Wilder Road)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson

McKinleyville – Saturday, Aug. 21, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
     Church of the Joyful Healer (1944 Central Ave.)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson

Ferndale – Saturday, Aug. 21, from noon to 5 p.m.
     Humboldt County Fair – main parking lot (1250 Fifth St.)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson

Arcata – Sunday, Aug. 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
     Carlson Park (Mad River Pkwy. E)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson

Ferndale – Sunday, Aug. 22, from noon to 5 p.m.
     Humboldt County Fair – main parking lot (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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