Press release from the Humboldt County Public Health Division:

A total of 9,005 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in Humboldt County after Public Health reported 20 new cases today. One hospitalization of a person in their 40s was also reported.

An advisory committee of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today recommended that the agency grant emergency use authorization for a booster dose of the Moderna vaccine for people aged 65 and older and those 18 and older at higher risk of serious COVID-19 disease because of their medical conditions or jobs.

On Friday, the committee will discuss data on using a booster dose different from the one used in the primary series, most often called “mixing and matching.” It will also consider an emergency use authorization request for boosters of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine for adults 18 and older.

The FDA is expected to make an official decision on boosters for both vaccines sometime in the coming days. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is then expected to meet sometime in the next week to discuss who will be recommended to receive them. More information will be released when it becomes available.

As the weather becomes cooler, Public Health officials remind residents to continue to follow local guidance in planning safer gatherings. Outdoor activities are preferable to indoor activities as Humboldt County continues to be designated as an area of high transmission by the CDC. Important tips for making gatherings safer include:

• Wear masks indoors
• Limit the number of participants
• Adjust the layout of the space to allow for physical distancing
• Enhance the ventilation of the indoor space.

For more planning safety recommendations, see the Humboldt County guidance for gatherings and events and the CDC’s guidance for small and large gatherings.

Health officials continue to urge residents — particularly those who are unvaccinated — to get tested if they are experiencing symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus.

No-cost testing is available through OptumServe seven days a week at the Wharfinger Building in Eureka. Mobile testing sites are scheduled throughout the county most weekdays. For more information about testing, go to humboldtgov.org/covidtestregistration.

The county’s vaccination and testing services are available free of charge. Appointments for Public Health vaccination clinics 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.

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

Eureka — Friday, Oct. 15, 9 a.m. to 4 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.

Miranda — Saturday, Oct. 16, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
     South Fork High School (6831 Avenue of the Giants)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available

Eureka — Sunday, Oct. 17, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
     College of the Redwoods (7351 Tompkins Hill Road)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available

Eureka — Monday, Oct. 18, 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

Weitchpec — Tuesday, Oct. 19, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
     Yurok Tribal Office (CA-96)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available

Willow Creek — Tuesday, Oct. 19, 3 to 5 p.m.
     Public Health Office (77 Walnut Way)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available

Garberville — Wednesday, Oct. 20, 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

Orick — Thursday, Oct. 21, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
     Orick Elementary School (120918 US-101)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available

Trinidad — Thursday, Oct. 21, 4 to 7 p.m.
     Trinidad Town Hall (409 Trinity St.)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available

Check availability of a specific vaccine at local pharmacies at vaccines.gov, or text a ZIP code to 438829 to locate a nearby pharmacy offering vaccines.

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.

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 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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