Press release from the Humboldt County Public Health Division:

Humboldt County Public Health reported today the death of a resident in their 50s 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.

Public Health also reported 116 new cases of COVID-19 since Wednesday, bringing to 10,079 the total number of residents who have tested positive for the virus. Three hospitalizations were also reported, a resident in their 20s, one in their 40s and another in their 60s.

With the recently identified “Omicron” variant spreading around the globe, health officials continue to stress that wearing masks and getting vaccinated are still the best ways to protect against known and future variants that continue to mutate while transmission rates are high.

While no known cases of Omicron have been reported in the U.S., top health officials have said that people who are vaccinated and have boosters will likely have some level of protection against variants like Omicron.

Locally, Public Health officials are monitoring the situation and are strongly encouraging all eligible residents to get vaccinated and get a booster when eligible to protect against the COVID-19 Delta variant that is already present and circulating within the county.

Residents aged 5 and older are urged to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Health officials also stress that those who are partially vaccinated should complete their vaccination series. Someone who is fully vaccinated is half as likely to pass on the infection as someone who is unvaccinated. An unvaccinated person is 11 times more likely to die from COVID-19 than a vaccinated person, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

According to the Los Angeles Times, Dr. Rene Ramirez, a UC San Francisco emergency department physician said, “To me, the biggest question is why is not everyone getting vaccinated in order to protect others? As long as there is a high transmission rate, the virus will continue to mutate. We have to find a way to flip the conversation from me, me, me to protecting others by wearing masks and getting vaccinated.”

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:

Eureka Pediatric Clinic — Tuesday, Nov. 30, 1:15 to 3:45 p.m.
     Public Health Main Office (529 I St.)
     Ages 5 to 11. Pfizer only.
     Appointment required. No testing available.

Willow Creek — Tuesday, Nov. 30, 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.

Garberville — Wednesday, Dec. 1, 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 adults receiving a first or second dose.

Eureka Family Clinic— Thursday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m
     Jefferson Community Center (1000 B St.)
     Ages 5-18 and family members. No boosters.
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna.
     PCR and rapid testing available.
     Appointments strongly recommended.

Eureka— Friday, Dec. 3, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m
     Wharfinger Building (1 Marina Way).
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna.
     PCR and rapid testing available.
     Appointments strongly recommended.
 

Eureka Family Clinic – Saturday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
     Eureka High School Cafeteria (1915 J St.)
     Ages 5-18 and family members. No boosters.
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna.
     PCR and rapid testing available.
     Appointments strongly recommended.

Fortuna Family Clinic – Sunday, Dec. 5, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
     Fortuna Resource Center (2089 Newburg Road).
     Ages 5-18 and family members. No boosters.
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna.
     PCR and rapid testing available.
     Appointments strongly recommended.

Eureka — Monday, Dec. 6, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Closed from noon to 1 p.m.
     Clinic appointments full.
     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.

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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