Press release from the Humboldt County Public Health Division:

Humboldt County Public Health reported today one new hospitalization due to COVID-19, a resident aged 80 or older. An additional 96 new cases were also reported, bringing to 17,722 the total number of confirmed positive cases for the virus.

Daily reported positive cases of COVID-19 have continued to decline from the peak of record-high numbers in January, but health officials caution that community transmission of the virus and confirmed cases remain high and an increase in hospitalizations tend to lag a few weeks after the peak.

Residents, particularly those who are unvaccinated, are encouraged to take protective measures against the highly transmissible Omicron variant by 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. The CDC and other public health officials recommend 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 COVID-19, 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.

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. 4, 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.

Eureka — Saturday, Feb. 5, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
     Eureka High School (1915 J 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.

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 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 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 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 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.

Rio Dell — Wednesday, Feb. 9, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
     Rio Dell Volunteer Fire Department (50 Center 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.

McKinleyville — Thursday, Feb. 10, 2 to 7 p.m.
     Church of the Joyful Healer (1944 Central Ave.)
     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
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