Press release from the Humboldt County Public Health Division:

Thirty-six new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Humboldt County today. The total number of residents who have tested positive for the virus now stands at 6,288. Three new hospitalizations were also reported, including two people in their 60s and one person in their 80s.

Given the surge in local cases, many residents are using at-home rapid antigen tests to screen for COVID-19. Unlike PCR tests, rapid antigen tests require a higher level of virus in the sample before the test will turn positive, meaning false-positive results are unlikely. As a result, local health officials have advised that a positive rapid test result does not require confirmatory PCR testing unless required for documentation purposes at work, school or if directed by a medical professional. 

Instead, the infected individual is advised to isolate for at least 10 days from the date of the positive tests, even if they do not have symptoms. Symptomatic individuals should isolate for at least 10 days from the day the symptoms began. They may be released from isolation after 10 days as long as symptoms have improved and 24 hours have passed without fever. 

Anyone with a positive test should also notify their close contacts of exposure. Unvaccinated close contacts should quarantine for 10 days, and fully vaccinated close contacts do not need to quarantine but should test 3-5 days after the exposure.

Vaccine remains broadly available at this time and is the most effective way to prevent COVID-19. While breakthrough cases do occur, 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: 

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.