Press release from the Humboldt County Public Health Division:

Humboldt County Public Health reported six new cases of COVID-19 today, bringing to 10,658 the total number of residents who have tested positive for the virus. One new hospitalization, a resident in their 50s, was also reported.

State health officials are encouraging Californians to enjoy the holidays but are urging residents to get vaccinated and boosted to protect themselves from the Delta and Omicron variants. 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 six months or more 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 cases have been detected locally, but the Omicron variant has been confirmed throughout the country. 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 Thursday, Dec. 23. The Wharfinger site will be closed Friday and Saturday and will reopen 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.

The COVID-19 Joint Information Center (1-707-441-5000) will also be closed Thursday and Friday for the holiday. English and Spanish speaking call takers will resume regular operations on Monday to answer questions related to COVID-19 vaccination, testing and preventive measures. Questions emailed to covidinfo@co.humboldt.ca.us over the holiday will also be responded to on Monday.

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 — 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.

Eureka — Tuesday, Dec. 28, 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.

View the Data Dashboard online at humboldtgov.org/dashboard, or go to humboldtgov.org/DashboardArchives to download data from a previous time. Dues to staffing considerations during the holidays, some weekly dashboard data will not be updates until next week. 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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