Press release from the Humboldt County Public Health Division:

Humboldt County Public Health reported today two new hospitalizations due to COVID-19 since Friday, a resident in their 60s and another in their 70s. An additional 872 new cases were also reported since Friday, bringing to 15,800 the total number of residents who have tested positive for the virus. No new deaths were reported.

Over the weekend, 229 individuals were vaccinated at two Public Health clinics held in Fortuna and one in Eureka.

Public Health officials are reminding residents, particularly those who are not vaccinated, to reduce their risk of catching and spreading the highly transmissible COVID-19 Omicron variant that is circulating widely in the community and pushing record high cases locally. Residents are encouraged to wear a well-fitted mask approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in all indoor public spaces, distance six feet from others when possible and avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.

While vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals are both at high risk to get Omicron, unlike other variants such as Delta, health officials say the risk of hospitalization and death for those who are unvaccinated remains significantly higher. Local data shows that unvaccinated adults in Humboldt County are 13 times more likely to be hospitalized than those adults who are fully vaccinated.

Everyone aged 5 and older is urged to get vaccinated and all eligible individuals aged 12 and older are recommended to get a booster. Fully vaccinated or boosted individuals typically develop milder symptoms, experience shorter illness duration and have fewer hospitalizations and less severe outcomes. Boosters for those who are eligible reduce the risk of hospitalization even more than being fully vaccinated.

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.

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.

Eureka — Wednesday, Jan. 26, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
     Marshall Resource Center (2100 J St.)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available on a first-come first-served basis
     Appointments for vaccinations strongly recommended.

Trinidad — Thursday, Jan. 27, 2 to 7 p.m. 
     Trinidad Town Hall (409 Trinity St.)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available on a first-come first-served basis
     Appointments for vaccinations strongly recommended.

Eureka — Friday, Jan. 28, 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.

McKinleyville — Saturday, Jan. 29, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 
     McKinleyville High School (1300 Murray Road)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available on a first-come first-served basis
     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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