Press release from the Humboldt County Public Health Division:

Humboldt County Public Health reported today the death of a resident in their 70s due to COVID-19. Staff in the Department Operations Center extend their condolences to all who have lost a loved one to the virus.

One new hospitalization, a resident in their 60s was reported. An additional 119 new cases were also reported, bringing to 17,509 the total number of confirmed positive cases for the virus locally.

Local health officials have indicated the county is showing early signs that it is past the recent peak of the record-high COVID-19 cases. However, community transmission and confirmed cases remain high and officials caution that a high point in hospitalizations tends to lag a few weeks after the peak in cases.

Residents, particularly those who are not vaccinated, are encouraged to take protective measures such as washing hands frequently, wearing a well-fitted mask approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), distancing six feet from others when possible and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces. The state remains under a mandatory mask requirement order in all indoor public spaces through Feb. 15.

COVID-19 vaccines remain effective against the virus, but CDC data shows their effectiveness at preventing infection or severe illness wanes over time, especially in people aged 65 or older. With the recent emergence of the Omicron variant, the CDC and other public health officials are recommending eligible individuals aged 12 and older receive a booster, which increases the immune response and provides additional protection against infection and severe disease.

While vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals are both at high risk to get Omicron, the risk of severe outcomes for those who are unvaccinated remains significantly higher. According to the latest data from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), unvaccinated people are eight times more likely to get COVID-19, 13 times more likely to be hospitalized from COVID-19 and 22 times more likely to die from COVID-19 than those who are vaccinated with a booster.

The CDPH recommends individuals stay home and away from others and get tested if they become sick or experience COVID-19 symptoms, which may include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue or muscle aches. COVID-19 symptoms often mimic common cold or flu illnesses.

As always, Humboldt County’s vaccination and testing services are available free of charge. While walk-ins are allowed at all Public Health clinics and some pharmacy vaccination sites, appointments are strongly recommended for all vaccinations and are the best way to ensure a shot is available during your visit. Appointments can be made at MyTurn.ca.gov.

Vaccines, including boosters, are available at local pharmacies. To check the availability of a specific vaccine, visit the vaccines.gov page, or text your ZIP code to 438829 to locate a nearby pharmacy offering vaccines.

See the schedule below for specific Public Health vaccination and testing clinic dates, times, locations and available services. Questions about clinic services can be directed to the Joint Information Center at 1-707-441-5000.

Eureka — Wednesday, Feb. 2, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
     Humboldt County Agricultural Building (5630 S. Broadway)
     Ages 12 and older
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available on a first-come first-served basis
     Appointments for vaccinations strongly recommended.

Blue Lake — Thursday, Feb. 3, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
     Blue Lake Resource Center (111 Greenwood Road)
     Ages 12 and older
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available on a first-come first-served basis
     Appointments for vaccinations strongly recommended.

Eureka — Friday, Feb. 4, 1 to 8 p.m.
     Wharfinger Building (1 Marina Way)
     Ages 12 and older
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     No rapid testing available at this clinic. PCR testing offered through OptumServe by appointment on the lower floor of the Wharfinger Building.
     Appointments for vaccinations strongly recommended.

Eureka — Saturday, Feb. 5, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
     Eureka High School (1915 J St.)
     Ages 12 and older
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available on a first-come first-served basis
     Appointments for vaccinations strongly recommended.

Eureka — Monday, Feb. 7, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Closed from noon to 1 p.m.
     Public Health Main Office (529 I St.)
     Ages 12 and older
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     No testing available
     $25 gift card for adults receiving a first or second dose
     Appointments strongly recommended.

Eureka — Tuesday, Feb. 8, 9 to 11:30 a.m.
     Public Health Main Office (529 I St.)
     Ages 12 and older
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     No testing available
     $25 gift card for adults receiving a first or second dose
     Appointments strongly recommended.

Eureka Pediatric Clinic — Tuesday, Feb. 8, 1:15 to 4 p.m. 
     Public Health Main Office (529 I St.)
     Ages 5 to 11
     Pfizer only
     No testing available
     Appointments strongly recommended.

Willow Creek — Tuesday, Feb. 8, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed from noon to 1 p.m.
     Public Health Office (77 Walnut Way)
     Ages 12 and older
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available on a first-come first-served basis
     $25 gift card for adults receiving a first or second dose
     Appointments for vaccinations strongly recommended.

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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