Press release from the Humboldt County Public Health Division:

Humboldt County Public Health has reported the deaths of three residents over the age of 80 from COVID-19. One hundred one local residents have died from the virus. The staff of the Department Operations Center share their condolences with friends, family and caregivers of those who died.

Thirty-five new cases have been reported in the county today, bringing to 8,765 the total number of county residents who have tested positive for the virus. Two hospitalizations were also reported, including one person in their 40s and one person in their 60s.

As of Tuesday, Humboldt County Public Health and other local vaccinators have administered a total of 155,473 doses of COVID-19 vaccine. An additional 958 residents have been fully vaccinated since the last weekly report on Sept. 29. A total of 77,688, or slightly more than 65% of the vaccine-eligible population age 12 and older, are fully vaccinated. Just over 72% of the vaccine-eligible population has received at least one dose. 

Johnson & Johnson announced yesterday that it is seeking authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use of its COVID-19 vaccine for booster shots. The FDA’s Vaccine and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet Oct. 14 and 15, to consider requests from Johnson & Johnson as well as Moderna, which submitted initial data in support of boosters to the FDA on Sept. 1. At the same meeting, the committee will discuss data on using a booster dose different from the one used in the primary series, or so-called “mixing and matching” of vaccine brands. More information will be shared as it becomes available. 

Given the level of COVID-19 transmission in the community, residents — particularly unvaccinated individuals — are urged 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 and at mobile testing sites throughout the county most weekdays. To make an appointment, visit lhi.care/covidtesting or call 888-634-1123. Turnaround times for test results through OptumServe average two to three days.

Vaccination and testing services are available free of charge in Humboldt County. All eligible residents are encouraged to get vaccinated against the virus as the most effective way to prevent hospitalization or death. 

Appointments for Public Health vaccination clinics are not required but are now strongly recommended due to a recent 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 — Thursday, Oct. 7, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
     College of the Redwoods main parking lot (7351 Tompkins Hill Road)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available

Eureka — Friday, Oct. 8, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
     Agriculture Building (5630 S. Broadway)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available

Hoopa — Saturday, Oct. 9, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
     Hoopa High School (101 Loop Road)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available

McKinleyville — Sunday, Oct. 10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
     McKinleyville High School (1300 Murray Road)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available

Willow Creek — Tuesday, Oct. 12, 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

Garberville — Wednesday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed from noon to 1 p.m.
     Public Health (727 Cedar 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 Public Health clinics 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
###