Press release from the Humboldt County Public Health Division:

Humboldt County Public Health reported today three new hospitalizations due to COVID-19 since Friday, three residents in their 70s. An additional 840 new cases were also reported since Friday, bringing to 13,758 the total number of residents who have tested positive for the virus. No new deaths were reported.

Public Health officials continue to stress that getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is an effective way to lower the risk of getting and spreading the virus, and vaccines have been proven to help prevent serious illness and death. Local data shows that unvaccinated adults in Humboldt County are 13 times more likely to be hospitalized than those adults who are fully vaccinated.

Individual who are not vaccinated should take steps to limit exposure, wear a well-fitted mask in indoor public spaces, distance six feet from others when possible and avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.

To increase testing capacity in response to the recent surge in cases, the federal government is providing four at-home COVID tests per household. These can be ordered online, free of charge, at COVIDTests.gov.

Additionally, as of Jan. 15, federal law requires health insurers to cover up-front costs of at-home COVID-19 tests purchased at pharmacies or retailers, or allows individuals to be reimbursed for up to eight home tests per month. Information is available at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services website.

The California Department of Public Health has updated its guidance on isolation and quarantine for workplace settings aimed at allowing certain vaccinated people who have tested positive or been exposed to continue working under specific circumstances.

As always, Humboldt County’s vaccination and testing services are available free of charge. Although walk-ins are allowed at most regular Public Health clinics and many pharmacy vaccination sites, an increase in demand for boosters has caused delays at some locations. As a result, appointments are required for pediatric clinics and for clinics at Public Health’s main office. Appointments are strongly recommended for all other clinics 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.

Arcata — Wednesday, Jan. 19, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
     D Street Neighborhood Center (1301 D St.)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available on a first-come first-served basis
     Appointments for vaccinations strongly recommended.

Hoopa — Thursday, Jan. 20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
     Hoopa Fire Hall (11121 Hwy 96)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     No rapid testing available at this clinic. PCR testing offered through OptumServe by appointment only at the Hoopa Fire Hall.
     Appointments for vaccinations strongly recommended.

Eureka — Friday, Jan. 21, 1 to 8 p.m.
     Wharfinger Building (1 Marina Way)
     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.

Fortuna — Saturday, Jan. 22, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
     Fortuna Veterans Hall (1426 Main St.)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available on a first-come first-served basis
     Appointments for vaccinations strongly recommended.

Fortuna — Sunday, Jan. 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
     Walker Elementary School (2089 Newburg Road)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available on a first-come first-served basis
     Appointments for vaccinations strongly recommended.

Eureka — Monday, Jan. 24, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Closed from noon to 1 p.m.
     Public Health Main Office (529 I St.)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     No testing available
     $25 gift card for adults receiving a first or second dose
     Appointments required.

Eureka — Tuesday, Jan. 25, 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 required.

Eureka Pediatric Clinic — Tuesday, Jan. 25, 1:15 to 3:45 p.m. 
     Public Health Main Office (529 I St.)
     Ages 5 to 11
     Pfizer only
     No testing available
     Appointments required.

Willow Creek — Tuesday, Jan. 25, 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 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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