Press release from the Humboldt County Public Health Division:

Humboldt County Public Health reported today the death of a resident aged 80 or older from COVID-19. Staff in the Department Operations Center extend their condolences to the families, friends and caregivers of those who have died and all who have lost a loved one to the virus.

Fifty-five new cases of COVID-19 have been reported since Friday, bringing to 10,624 the total number of residents who have tested positive for the virus. Two new hospitalizations, a resident in their 60s and another in their 70s, were also reported.

Over the weekend, 375 individuals were vaccinated at Public Health clinics held in Blue Lake, Arcata and McKinleyville that included pediatric, first and second doses and additional doses and boosters.

State health officials are encouraging Californians to enjoy the holidays this season but are urging residents to get vaccinated and boosted to protect themselves from COVID-19 and the Omicron variant. Residents aged 5 and older are eligible to get vaccinated and anyone aged 16 and older is encouraged to get a booster if it’s been at least six months since the completion of their initial vaccine series.

Although the Omicron variant is highly transmissible, health officials cite new data that suggests primary vaccination and booster shots can lessen impacts, including hospitalizations and deaths. No known cases have been detected locally, but the Omicron variant has been confirmed in California and nearly all U.S. states. Incidence of the variant is anticipated to rise over the next several weeks following holiday gatherings.

The Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention recommends anyone who is sick or unvaccinated and has been exposed to someone with COVID-19 to forego travel. All travelers are recommended to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and to isolate and get tested if they develop symptoms after travel.

Public Health testing is available through OptumServe at the Wharfinger Building in Eureka through Wednesday, Dec. 23. The Wharfinger site will be closed Friday and Saturday and will be back open for regular business starting at 7 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 26. Walk-ins will be accommodated, but appointments are recommended and can be made at lhi.care/covidtesting or by calling 888-634-1123. Turnaround times for test results through OptumServe average two to three days.

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.

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.

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

Eureka — 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.

Eureka — Monday, Dec. 27, 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. 

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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