Press release from the Humboldt County Public Health Division:

Humboldt County Public Health reported today 28 new cases of COVID-19, bringing to 10,494 the total number of residents who have tested positive for the virus. No new hospitalizations or deaths were reported. Two previously reported hospitalizations have been removed from the count after they were determined not to be COVID-19 related.

An official from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said today that booster vaccines are likely to protect against severe disease from Omicron. The message came following a World Health Organization meeting where scientists presented findings about immunity against Omicron created by mRNA boosters, Pfizer and Moderna. The research indicates boosters can restore antibodies to levels believed high enough to provide strong protection.

As of Tuesday, Public Health and other local vaccinators have administered a total of 167,364 doses of COVID-19 vaccine. Local vaccination data has been updated on the Humboldt County Data Dashboard (humboldtgov.org/dashboard). Highlights include:

• Since the last weekly report, 1,546 vaccine doses have been administered, and 930 additional residents have completed their vaccine series.
• A total of 83,459 residents, or slightly more than 70% of the county’s population aged 5 and older, have been fully vaccinated. More than 7% of the population aged 5 and older have been partially vaccinated as of Tuesday.

With Californians expected to travel and spend more time indoors for holiday gatherings, state health officials have put in place new safety measures to help slow the spread of the Delta and new Omicron variants. Humboldt County has been under a mandatory indoor mask order since Aug. 6., but a statewide mask mandate for indoor public settings went into effect today, regardless of vaccination status. The new mask mandate goes through Jan. 15, 2022.

New state testing requirements also went into effect today for sporting events, concerts and conventions with 1,000 or more indoor attendees or 10,000 or more attendees in outdoor settings. Those who cannot provide proof of full vaccination status are required by the state to provide a negative antigen test within one day or negative PCR test within two days prior to entry into the event.

On Saturday, Dec. 18, Public Health will hold a mobile vaccine clinic in Arcata at the Community United of North Arcata’s (CUNA) Winter Arts and Artisan Market at the Red Roof Inn, 4975 Valley West Blvd., from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature local food vendors and performers. The Area 1 Agency on Aging announced it is offering incentives to individuals aged 60 and older who receive a vaccine at the clinic, or the caregiver of the person aged 60 or older who receives a shot.

Last week, the state expanded Pfizer booster eligibility for 16- and 17-year-olds if it has been at least six months since their initial Pfizer vaccination series.

Public Health officials said expanding boosters to that age group will increase protection against the Delta and new Omicron variants. Omicron has been identified in California and 29 other U.S. states so far and Public Health is continuing to conduct genetic testing locally while awaiting the arrival of the fast-spreading variant.

Stricter travel requirements by the CDC also went into effect last week for international passengers flying into the U.S. All international passengers, regardless of vaccination status, must show a negative test prior to boarding taken one day before their departure.

Residents who have travelled internationally in the past two weeks and test positive with at-home tests are asked to call the Joint Information Center at 1-707-441-5000 to report their results to Public Health. Those who have not travelled outside the U.S. and test positive with an at-home test for COVID-19 should notify their primary care provider or Public Health, if there is no provider, and isolate to limit the spread of disease.

Travelers leaving Humboldt County who are flying internationally should contact the airline prior to travel and stay current on their destination’s specific COVID-19 vaccination and testing requirements. Information can be found for most countries at the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory website.

In addition to encouraging eligible people aged 16 and older to get boosters, health officials also stress that those who are partially vaccinated should complete their vaccination series. A person who is fully vaccinated is half as likely to pass on the infection as someone who is unvaccinated. According to data from the CDC, an unvaccinated person is nearly six times more likely to get COVID-19 and 14 times more likely to die from COVID-19 than a vaccinated person.

Public Health is offering family vaccination clinics throughout December to give priority to children aged 5 to 11 and provide family members a convenient way to get their vaccines.

Vaccines, including boosters, are available at local pharmacies. To check the availability of a specific vaccine, visit the vaccines.gov page, or text a ZIP code to 438829 to locate a nearby pharmacy offering vaccines.

Humboldt County’s vaccination and testing services are available free of charge. Although walk-ins are allowed at most regular Public Health clinics and many pharmacy vaccination sites, a sharp increase in demand for boosters has caused delays at some locations. As a result, appointments are required for pediatric clinics and for clinics at Public Health’s main office. Appointments are strongly recommended for all other clinics and are the best way to ensure a shot is available during your visit. Appointments can be made at MyTurn.ca.gov.

See the schedule below for specific Public Health vaccination and testing clinic dates, times, locations and available services:

Eureka— Thursday, Dec. 16, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m
     Wharfinger Building (1 Marina Way)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna.
     No rapid testing available at this clinic. PCR testing offered through OptumServe on the lower floor of the Wharfinger Building.
     Appointments strongly recommended.

Blue Lake Family Clinic— Friday, Dec. 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
     Blue Lake Resource Center (111 Greenwood Road)
     Ages 5-18 and family members.
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna.
     PCR and rapid testing available.
     Appointments strongly recommended.

Arcata — Saturday, Dec. 18, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m
     Red Roof Inn (4975 Valley West Blvd.)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna.
     PCR and rapid testing available.
     Appointments strongly recommended.

McKinleyville Family Clinic — Sunday, Dec. 19, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
     McKinleyville High School (1300 Murray Road)
     Ages 5-18 and family members.
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna.
     PCR and rapid testing available.
    Appointments strongly recommended.

Eureka — Monday, Dec. 20, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Closed from noon to 1 p.m.
     Public Health Main Office (529 I St.)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna.
     No testing available.
     $25 gift card for adults receiving a first or second dose.
     Appointments required.

Fortuna Family Clinic — Monday, Dec. 20, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
     Walker Elementary School (2089 Newburg Road)
     Ages 5-18 and family members.
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna.
     PCR and rapid testing available.
     Appointments strongly recommended.

Eureka Booster Clinic — Tuesday, Dec. 21, 9 to 11:30 a.m.
     Public Health Main Office (529 I St.)
     Ages 16 and older.
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna.
     No testing available.
     Appointments required.

Eureka Pediatric Clinic — Tuesday, Dec. 21, 1:15 to 3:30 p.m.
     Public Health Main Office (529 I St.)
     Ages 5 to 11. Pfizer only. 
     No testing available.
     Appointments required.

Willow Creek — Tuesday, Dec. 21, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed from noon to 1 p.m.
     Public Health Office (77 Walnut Way)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna.
     PCR and rapid testing available.
     $25 gift card for adults receiving a first or second dose.
     Appointments strongly recommended.

View the Data Dashboard online at humboldtgov.org/dashboard, or go to humboldtgov.org/DashboardArchives to download data from a previous time.

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 1-707-441-5000.

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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