Press release from the Humboldt County Public Health Division:

Two Humboldt County residents in their 60s have died with COVID-19, bringing to 61 the number of residents who have died with the virus. The staff of the Department Operations Center extends their condolences to the family, friends and caregivers of those who died.

Ninety-one new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in the county today. Five cases were removed from the case count as they were determined to be from another jurisdiction. The total number of residents who have tested positive for the virus now stands at 6,427. 

Seven new hospitalizations were also reported, including one person between the ages of 10 and 19, one in their 40s, one in their 50s, two in their 60s and two in their 70s.

The graph below shows average weekly case rates between Dec. 26, 2020, and Aug. 14, 2021, in unvaccinated and fully vaccinated individuals. The data in the graph is adjusted each week to reflect updates to the COVID-19 case database. Examples of updates include new additions to the data, reclassifications of existing data and changes to population numbers. 

As the graph illustrates, following the universal masking order that went into effect Aug. 7, case rates dropped sharply among the 51.7% of the county population that is fully vaccinated. Case rates among unvaccinated members of the community remain critically high at nearly four times the rate of the fully vaccinated population. In the last two weeks, the percentage of the population that is fully vaccinated has increased by 1.1%, and most vaccine doses administered locally were first doses, meaning more residents have begun their vaccination series. 

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: 

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

McKinleyville – Monday, Aug. 23, from 3 to 7 p.m.
     Dollar General – (1180 Murray Road)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson

Eureka – Wednesday, Aug. 25, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
     Housing Authority – (735 W. Everding 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.