Press release from the Humboldt County Public Health Division:

Humboldt County Public Health reported today 20 new cases of COVID-19, bringing to 10,279 the total number of residents who have tested positive for the virus. Three new hospitalizations were also reported, two residents in their 40s and one aged 80 or older.

In a presentation to the Board of Supervisors this morning, Humboldt County Health Officer Dr. Ian Hoffman noted that there are still no known cases of the new Omicron variant locally, but added that he “fully expects” the variant to eventually make its way to Humboldt County.

He said officials are ready for its arrival. “We will continue to monitor and do genomic sequencing and other testing that might be able to detect that variant quickly, and let the public know once we do see any evidence of that in Humboldt County.”

Public Health is continuing to request that doctors ask patients about their travel history to identify those who may have been exposed so they can be tested.

All international passengers flying into the U.S., regardless of vaccination status, are now required to show a negative test taken one day before their departure as part of stricter travel requirements put in place this week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Additionally, the CDC recommends that all international travelers get a COVID-19 test three to five days after travel regardless of vaccination status. Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 after travel should test immediately.

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 with 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.

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. 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:

Redway — Wednesday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed from noon to 1 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.
     Appointments strongly recommended.

Trinidad Family Clinic— Thursday, Dec. 9, 4 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.

Eureka— Friday, Dec. 10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m – FULL
     College of the Redwoods Gym Lobby (7351 Tompkins Hill Road)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna.
     PCR and rapid testing available.

Hoopa Family Clinic — Saturday, Dec. 11, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m
     Hoopa High (101 Loop Road)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna.
     PCR and rapid testing available.

Eureka — Sunday, Dec. 12, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
     Ag Building (5630 South Broadway)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna.
     PCR and rapid testing available.

Eureka — Monday, Dec. 13, 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.
     Appointment required. No testing available.
     $25 gift card for adults receiving a first or second dose.
     Appointments required.

Willow Creek — Tuesday, Dec. 14, 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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