Press release from the Humboldt County Public Health Division:

Humboldt County Public Health has reported four deaths from COVID-19, one person in their 70s and three people aged 80 or older. Staff in the Department Operations Center extend their condolences to the families, friends and caregivers of those who died and all who have lost a loved one to the virus.

Humboldt County Public Health has reported 61 new cases of COVID-19 since Friday, bringing to 9,395 the total number of residents who have tested positive. Three hospitalizations have also been reported in that time, one person in their 40s, one in their 50s and one in their 70s.

An advisory panel for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is scheduled to meet Tuesday to discuss the FDA’s emergency use authorization of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 years old. Officials with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) have said the state expects to roll out vaccines to this age group later this week after the review process is complete.

CDPH has recommended that all eligible residents be vaccinated against COVID-19. Those who are at increased risk for hospitalization and severe COVID-19 disease should get a Pfizer or Moderna booster at least six months after their second dose. CDPH also recommended that adults who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine get a booster if it has been two months since their first dose.

Boosters are being offered at all Public Health vaccination clinics and eligible people may receive a single dose of any of the available COVID-19 vaccines as a “mix-and-match” booster following the completion of a different primary vaccine series. For more information about the state’s booster recommendations and guidance, read the COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Questions & Answers page.

Residents who need their first or second dose are also encouraged to schedule an appointment or to walk in. Appointments are not required but are recommended due to an increase in demand for additional doses and boosters. Sign up in advance at MyTurn.ca.gov. For instructions in English and Spanish on how to use My Turn, go to humboldtgov.org/VaccineInfo.

Vaccines, including boosters, are widely available at local pharmacies. To check the availability of a specific vaccine or booster, visit the vaccines.gov page, or text a ZIP code to 438829 to locate a nearby pharmacy offering vaccines.

Public Health officials are recommending residents, particularly those who are unvaccinated, get tested if they are experiencing symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for the virus. Testing is available through OptumServe seven days a week at the Wharfinger Building in Eureka and at mobile sites throughout the county most weekdays. For more information about testing, go to humboldtgov.org/covidtestregistration.

Public Health officials stress that residents should report positive at-home test results to a health care provider or to Public Health if there is no provider so transmission of the virus in the community can be better identified.

Those with a positive at-home test for COVID-19 should isolate and notify their close contacts to limit the spread of disease. False positive test results are unlikely when an antigen test is used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, according to the CDC’s antigen testing guidance page.

Individuals who require documentation of test results for employment or travel may get PCR testing through Public Health or their health care providers. PCR follow-up testing for an at-home rapid test is most accurate within 24 to 48 hours of an initial at-home positive test. For more information, visit the Humboldt County Home-Testing FAQ.

On Tuesdays, OptumServe offers mobile testing in Garberville or Trinidad on a rotating basis. On Nov. 2, testing will be available in Garberville outside of Jerold Phelps Hospital at 733 Cedar St. On Tuesday, Nov. 11, OptumServe’s mobile testing site will be held at Trinidad City Hall located at 409 Trinity St. Testing is offered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Both sites will be closed from 11 a.m. to noon and 2 to 3 p.m.

The county’s vaccination and testing services are available free of charge. Those who receive their first or second dose of vaccine at a Public Health office in Eureka, Willow Creek or Garberville can choose a $25 Renner Petroleum or Coming Attractions Theatres gift card. Incentives are offered on a first-come, first-served basis at those locations only.

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

Willow Creek — Tuesday, Nov. 2, 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 those receiving a first or second dose

Garberville — Wednesday, Nov. 3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed from noon to 1 p.m.
     Public Health Office (727 Cedar St.)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available
     $25 gift card for those receiving a first or second dose

Eureka — Thursday, Nov. 4, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
     College of the Redwoods Gym (7351 Tompkins Hill Road)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available

Blue Lake — Friday, Nov. 5, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
     Blue Lake Resource Center (111 Greenwood Road)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available

Eureka — Saturday, Nov. 6, noon to 4 p.m.
     Eureka Migrations Street Festival (At the corner of 2nd and E streets)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna

Eureka — Saturday, Nov. 6, 5 to 8 p.m.
     Arts Alive (231 Second St.)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available

Eureka — Monday, Nov. 8, 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 those receiving a first or second dose

Pfizer is authorized for those 12 and older, and Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are authorized for people age 18 and older. County residents age 16 and 17 can receive a vaccination at a Public Health clinic without a parent or guardian physically present as long as they have a signed consent form. Children under 16 still must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.

View the Data Dashboard online at humboldtgov.org/dashboard, or go to humboldtgov.org/DashboardArchives to download data from a previous time.

Phones in the COVID-19 Call Center (707-441-5000) are down due to a technical issue. There is currently no set timeline for restoral. Anyone with questions related to COVID-19 can email covidinfo@co.humboldt.ca.us.

For the most recent COVID-19 information, visit cdc.gov or cdph.ca.gov.

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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