Press release from the Humboldt County Public Health Division:

Humboldt County Public Health has reported the death of resident in their 70s from COVID-19. The staff of the Department Operations Center extend their sympathies to the person’s friends, loved ones and caregivers.

Two hospitalizations have also been reported, including a person in their 30s and one over the age of 80. Fifty-four new cases of COVID-19 were reported today, bringing the total number of residents who have tested positive for the virus to 8,555.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health advisory yesterday strongly urging those who are pregnant or were recently pregnant to get vaccinated because of increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Of the more than 125,000 cases reported in pregnant people in the U.S., more than 22,000 were hospitalized and 161 have died. In the month of August alone, 22 COVID-related deaths of pregnant people were recorded, the highest number in a single month since the pandemic began. 

COVID-19 infection also increases the risk of adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. As of mid-Sept, only 31% of pregnant people were fully vaccinated before or during their pregnancy. The CDC also advises vaccination for those who are lactating, who are trying to become pregnant now or who might become pregnant in the future. Pregnant people should continue to follow all recommended prevention measures and should seek care immediately for any symptoms of COVID-19. For more information, consult a health care provider or visit cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/pregnant-people.html. 

Due to the continued high transmission of COVID-19 locally, Humboldt County Health Officer Dr. Ian Hoffman issued a statement today recommending physical distancing at meetings including those of legislative bodies. Virtual meetings that allow virtual participation of agency staff, presenters and community members are a safer alternative. Physical distancing is also recommended for gatherings and events. Visit humboldtgov.org/COVIDFAQs to read the full statement on physical distancing. 

Residents 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 in Eureka at the Wharfinger Building on the lower floor and at mobile testing sites throughout the county Monday through Friday. To make an appointment or get information about results, visit lhi.care/covidtesting or call 888-634-1123. 

Rapid testing and PCR testing are available at Public Health mobile vaccination clinics, where residents have the option of getting tested, vaccinated or both. As always, testing and vaccination services are free of charge. Due to an increase in demand for additional vaccine doses and boosters, appointments at Public Health vaccination clinics are strongly recommended but not required. 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:

Garberville — Friday, Oct. 1, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
     Garberville Farmers’ Market (Garberville Town Square)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available

Arcata — Saturday, Oct. 2, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
     Arcata Farmers’ Market (Arcata Plaza/808 G St.)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available

Eureka — Monday, Oct. 4, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Closed from noon to 1 p.m.
     Public Health Main (529 I St.)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     Testing NOT available

Willow Creek — Tuesday, Oct. 5, 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

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

To check availability of a specific vaccine at a local pharmacy, visit vaccines.gov or text a ZIP code to 438829.

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
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