Press release from the Humboldt County Public Health Division:

Humboldt County Public Health reported today 27 new cases of COVID-19, bringing to 10,521 the total number of residents who have tested positive for the virus. One new hospitalization, a resident in their 70s, was also reported.

Omicron cases are anticipated to rise over the next several weeks following family holiday gatherings. White House officials said yesterday that new data suggests that while the Omicron variant is highly transmissible, primary vaccination and booster shots can limit their impact, including hospitalizations and deaths.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky is urging eligible Americans to get vaccinated, including getting booster shots. “Vaccination, boosting and masking are especially critical for those who are most vulnerable,” she said.

California recently expanded its Pfizer booster eligibility for 16- and 17-year-olds and is encouraging boosters as protection against Omicron. 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 than a vaccinated person and 14 times more likely to die.

To help curb the transmission of the virus ahead of holiday travel, California put in place Wednesday a statewide mask mandate for indoor public settings, regardless of vaccination status, that goes through Jan. 15, 2022. Humboldt County masking policy is unchanged by the state order.

The state also updated its requirements for attending mega event concerts and sporting events that require attendees to either provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test prior to entry.

The CDC also put in place stricter travel requirements last week for international passengers flying into the U.S.

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.

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:

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.

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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