Press release from the Humboldt County Public Health Division:

The deaths of four Humboldt County residents due to COVID-19 were reported today, including two in their 60s, one in their 70s and one over the age of 80. The staff of the Department Operations Center shares their sympathies with the family, friends and caregivers of those who have died.

Thirty-five new cases have also been reported in the county, bringing to 8,833 the total number of county residents who have tested positive for the virus. Two hospitalizations were also reported, including one person in their 60s and one person over the age of 80.

Since the last weekly data update on Oct. 1, the county has recorded 238 new cases. Eight deaths have been reported during that same period, including five who were fully vaccinated. The average age of post-vaccinated fatalities is 79, while the average age of those who died and were unvaccinated is 65.

Of the 11 hospitalizations reported over the last week, three were fully vaccinated, seven were unvaccinated and one is under investigation. Age ranges of reported hospitalizations are as follows:

• 1 person in their 40s
• 3 people in their 50s
• 5 people in their 60s
• 1 person in their 70s
• 1 person over the age of 80.

The seven-day average case rate in Humboldt County is currently 22, meaning that for every 100,000 residents, about 22 people have tested positive daily over the last seven days, though that rate varies considerably depending on vaccination status. The graph below depicts average weekly case rates in unvaccinated and fully vaccinated local residents. View a more detailed depiction of the case rate graph.

As the graph illustrates, the seven-day average case rate has risen in unvaccinated residents for the first time in five weeks to 42 per 100,000 residents, up from the previous week’s rate of 35 per 100,000 residents. The seven-day average case rate for vaccinated residents declined further from its peak rate of 29 per 100,000 in early August to 8 per 100,000 residents. Rates for both groups remain higher than the winter and spring surges.

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. Immunocompromised individuals may need an additional dose to generate a sufficient immune response. Officials urge those who are immunocompromised to talk to their primary care provider about whether an additional dose is right for them. As always, 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 boosters and additional doses. 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:

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

Arcata — Thursday, Oct. 14, 4 to 6 p.m.
     Arcata High School (1720 M St.)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available

Eureka — Friday, Oct. 15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
     Wharfinger Building (1 Marina Way)
     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.

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. Mobile testing sites are scheduled throughout the county most weekdays. View the schedule and learn how to make an appointment at humboldtgov.org/covidtestregistration. 

On Monday, Oct. 11, the OptumServe testing site at the Wharfinger Building in Eureka will be closed in observance of Columbus Day. However, the local Public Health testing team will offer PCR testing on that date at the Azalea Hall in McKinleyville from 9 a.m. noon and from 1 to 3 p.m. Pre-registration is required. Visit home.color.com/covid/sign-up/start?partner=cdph1060 to sign up. The Joint Information Center will be open and available to answer non-emergency calls related to COVID-19 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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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