Press release from the Humboldt County Joint Information Center:

A Humboldt County resident has died with COVID-19, and 36 new cases of COVID-19 were reported today. One previously recorded case was incorrectly reported as positive due to a lab error and another was determined to be a duplicate, so the total number of county residents who have tested positive is 2,427. 

The individual who died was in their 50s. Humboldt County Health Officer Dr. Ian Hoffman extends his sympathies to all families who have been impacted by the virus, and he noted that this loss hit particularly close to home because of the strong connection his family had with the person who died. “We should all do our part to limit additional infections from COVID-19 and hopefully prevent further loss of life from this virus until the vaccine is more widely available,” he said. 

Dr. Hoffman added that the batch of Moderna vaccine that was paused for distribution by the state is still under investigation by the California Department of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the manufacturer.  

Dr. Hoffman said that while this pause has delayed administration of a significant number of doses allocated to Humboldt County, efforts to build local capacity for vaccinations continue. On Tuesday, 19 additional Disaster Service Workers were sworn in as volunteer vaccinators, for a total of 40 over the last week. “This pandemic has impacted all of us, and it will take all of us to get out of it,” Dr. Hoffman said. “I’d like to give my heartfelt thanks to all these volunteers who have stepped up to respond to the community’s need.”  

Volunteers are still needed. Those interested in volunteering can call the Community Information Line at 707-441-5000 or email COVIDInfo@co.humboldt.ca.us for more information.  

For the most recent COVID-19 information, visit cdc.gov or cdph.ca.gov. Local information is available at humboldtgov.org or during business hours by contacting covidinfo@co.humboldt.ca.us or calling 707-441-5000. 

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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Emergency Services Manager Ryan Derby conducts a mass swear-in of 19 volunteer vaccinators for the county, Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021.