Press release from the Humboldt County Public Health Division:

Humboldt County Public Health has reported today the death of a resident in their 70s due to COVID-19. 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.

Seventy-one new cases were also reported since Friday, bringing to 9,523 the total number of residents who have tested positive for the virus. Three hospitalizations were also reported, including a person in their 30s, one in their 40s and another in their 70s.

The new Mass Quarantine Order issued by Humboldt County Public Health Officer Ian Hoffman, which went into effect today, provides an option for unvaccinated people to shorten their required 14-day quarantine after a known exposure.

Unvaccinated individuals who are a close contact of a COVID-19 case who don’t have or develop any symptoms may end their quarantine after seven days from their exposure if they receive a negative result from a test taken on day five or later.

Public Health officials continue to stress that vaccination is one of the best tools to end the COVID-19 pandemic. All eligible residents who are unvaccinated are urged to get one of the three authorized vaccines. The Pfizer vaccine is now authorized for ages 5 to 11 and is recommended for the nearly 10,000 local children in this age group. For more information or to schedule an appointment, parents should contact their child’s health care provider or local pharmacy.

While some people who are fully vaccinated will become infected with the virus, health officials widely agree that vaccination is the best way to prevent severe outcomes such as hospitalization and death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends individuals who are moderately to severely immunocompromised receive an additional dose to generate a sufficient immune response. Officials urge those who are unsure if they meet the criteria to talk with their primary care provider about their medical condition.

California Department of Public Health recommends that all eligible residents 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 recommends that adults who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine get a booster if it has been two months since their first dose.

Humboldt County Public Health vaccination and testing services are offered free of charge. Residents who receive their first or second dose at a Public Health office in Eureka, Willow Creek or Garberville can choose a $25 Renner Petroleum or Coming Attractions Theatres gift card on a first-come, first-served basis.

On Tuesdays, OptumServe offers mobile testing in Garberville or Trinidad on a rotating basis. On Tuesday of this week, testing will be available at Trinidad City Hall located at 409 Trinity St. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with closures from 11 a.m. to noon and 2 to 3 p.m.

OptumServe’s main testing site at the Wharfinger Building in Eureka and the mobile testing site in Hoopa held on Thursday, Nov. 11 will be closed for Veterans Day. Instead, Public Health will provide PCR testing only in Hoopa on Wednesday, Nov. 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hoopa Fire Department at 11121 State Hwy 96. Pre-registration strongly recommended. To sign up, visit the Color test registration page.

Appointments are recommended for most vaccination clinics and required at Public Health Main in Eureka due to an increase in demand for additional doses and boosters. Sign up in advance at MyTurn.ca.gov.

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

Willow Creek — Tuesday, Nov. 9, 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. 10, 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 — Friday, Nov. 12, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
     Wharfinger Building (1 Marina Way)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     No testing available at this clinic. PCR testing offered through OptumServe on lower floor of Wharfinger Building.

McKinleyville — Sunday, Nov. 14, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
     McKinleyville High School (1300 Murray Road)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available

Eureka — Monday, Nov. 15, 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 those receiving a first or second dose

Vaccines, including boosters, are widely 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.

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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