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.

Three new hospitalizations, two residents in their 60s and one in their 70s, were reported. An additional 66 new positive cases of COVID-19 were also reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the county to 19,120.

The COVID-19 Joint Information Center (1-707-441-5000) will be closed Monday for the Presidents’ Day holiday. English and Spanish speaking call takers will resume regular operations on Tuesday to answer questions related to COVID-19 vaccination, testing and preventive measures. Questions emailed to covidinfo@co.humboldt.ca.us over the holiday will also be responded to on Tuesday.

Since the last data update on Feb. 14, the county has recorded 685 new cases of COVID-19. One death of an unvaccinated person was reported. Eleven new hospitalizations due to COVID-19 were reported. Six were unvaccinated and five were fully vaccinated. Age ranges of reported hospitalizations during that period are as follows:

• 1 person in their 20s
• 1 person in their 50s
• 4 people in their 60s
• 4 people in their 70s
• 1 person aged 80 or older

Severe outcomes from COVID-19 are higher among unvaccinated individuals. The graphs below depict average weekly case rates and weekly hospitalizations and deaths in unvaccinated and fully vaccinated local residents.

As depicted in the graph above for the period between May 30, 2021, and Feb. 6, 2022, 18 deaths of fully vaccinated Humboldt County residents from COVID-19 were reported. The average age of those deaths was 79. During that same period, 55 deaths of unvaccinated residents were reported. The average age of those deaths was 67. During that same period, 71 fully vaccinated residents were hospitalized with an average age of 73. An additional 274 unvaccinated individuals were hospitalized with an average age of 59. View a more detailed depiction of the hospitalization and death rates graph here.

The current seven-day average case rate in Humboldt County is approximately 46, meaning that for every 100,000 residents, approximately 46 tested positive daily over the last seven days. Case rates vary considerably by vaccination status, as illustrated in the graph below, which depicts average weekly case rates since January 2021 in unvaccinated and fully vaccinated residents.

The most recent seven-day average case rate for the period ending Feb. 6, is 38 per 100,000 residents for both fully vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. View a more detailed depiction of the case rate graph here.

California’s statewide indoor mask mandate for vaccinated individuals has expired, and the local indoor mask order was rescinded as well. Without a local mask order, Humboldt County now falls under the state’s mandate that requires unvaccinated individuals to continue to wear masks indoors in public settings. The complete order can be read at the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) Guidance for the Use of Face Masks. Workplaces will continue to follow the COVID-19 prevention standards set by CalOSHA.

Residents, particularly those who are unvaccinated, are urged to continue to take protective measures against COVID-19 by washing hands frequently, socially distancing, wearing a well-fitted mask approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.

CDPH recommends individuals stay home and away from others and get tested if they become sick or experience COVID-19 symptoms that may include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue or muscle aches.

Vaccines remain readily available and, 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 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 — Friday, Feb. 18, 1 to 8 p.m.
     Wharfinger Building (1 Marina Way)
     Ages 5 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 recommended.

Redway — Saturday, Feb. 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
     Healy Senior Center (456 Briceland Road)
     Ages 5 and older
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available on a first-come first-served basis
     Appointments for vaccinations recommended.

Eureka — Monday, Feb. 21 — Closed for holiday

Eureka — Tuesday, Feb. 22, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed from noon to 1 p.m.
     Public Health Main Office (529 I St.)
     Ages 5 and older
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     No testing available
     $25 gift card for adults receiving a first or second dose
     Appointments recommended.

Willow Creek — Tuesday, Feb. 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed from noon to 1 p.m.
     Public Health Office (77 Walnut Way)
     Ages 5 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 recommended.

Arcata — Wednesday, Feb. 23, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
     Arcata D St. Neighborhood Center (1301 D St.)
     Ages 5 and older
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available on a first-come first-served basis
     Appointments for vaccinations recommended.

Trinidad — Thursday, Feb. 24, 2 to 7 p.m.
     Trinidad Town Hall (409 Trinity St.)
     Ages 5 and older
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available on a first-come first-served basis
     Appointments for vaccinations recommended.

Bridgeville — Friday, Feb. 25, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
     Bridgeville Community Center (38717 Kneeland Road)
     Ages 5 and older
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available on a first-come first-served basis
     Appointments for vaccinations 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

###