Press release from the Humboldt County Public Health Division:

Humboldt County Public Health reported today 22 new cases of COVID-19, bringing to 10,145 the total number of residents who have tested positive for the virus. Two new hospitalizations were also reported, a resident in their 60s and one aged 80 or older.

With the new Omicron variant confirmed in San Francisco yesterday, health officials throughout the state are continuing to test and contact trace to identify and limit its spread.

There are no known cases of the Omicron variant in Humboldt County, but health officials are requesting doctors to ask their patients about their travel history so that they can identify and test those who may have been exposed.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends international travelers get a COVID-19 test three to five days after travel regardless of vaccination status.

Residents who travelled internationally in the past two weeks and test positive on 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 care provider, or Public Health if there is no provider, and isolate to limit the spread of disease.

Health officials continue to stress that the best way for residents to protect themselves from COVID-19 and variants like Omicron is to get vaccinated, wear masks indoors and in crowded places, get tested immediately regardless of vaccination status if any cold- or flu-like symptoms develop, and stay home when sick.

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.

All eligible adults aged 18 and older are encouraged to get a booster. Health officials also stress that those who are partially vaccinated should complete their vaccination series. Someone 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.

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— Friday, Dec. 3, 9 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.

Eureka Family Clinic – Saturday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
     Clinic appointments full.
     Eureka High School Cafeteria (1915 J St.)
     Ages 5-18 and family members.
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna.
     PCR and rapid testing available.
     Appointments strongly recommended.

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

Eureka — Monday, Dec. 6, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Closed from noon to 1 p.m.
     Clinic appointments full.
     Public Health Main Office (529 I St.)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna.
     Appointment required. No testing available.
     $25 gift card for adults receiving a first or second dose.
     Appointments required.

Willow Creek — Tuesday, Dec. 7, 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.

Redway — Wednesday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
     DHHS Office (3156 Redwood Drive)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna.
     PCR and rapid testing available.
     $25 gift card for adults receiving a first or second dose.

Trinidad Family Clinic— Thursday, Dec. 9, 2 to 7 p.m.
     Trinidad Town Hall (409 Trinity St.)
     Ages 5-18 and family members.
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna.
     PCR and rapid testing available.
     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 

###