Press release from the Humboldt County Public Health Division:

Humboldt County Public Health reported today three new hospitalizations due to COVID-19, a resident in their 30s, one in their 40s and another in their 60s. An additional 196 new cases were also reported, bringing to 16,809 the total number of residents who have tested positive for the virus.

Since the last data update on Jan. 21, the county has recorded 1,881 new cases of COVID-19. No new deaths were reported. Thirteen new hospitalizations due to COVID-19 were reported. Nine were unvaccinated, two were fully vaccinated and another two individuals’ vaccination status is unknown. Age ranges of reported hospitalizations in the seven-day period are as follows:

• 2 people in their 30s
• 1 person in their 40s
• 6 people in their 60s
• 4 people in their 70s

The graphs below, which depict average weekly case rates and weekly hospitalizations and deaths in unvaccinated and fully vaccinated local residents, show that more severe outcomes from COVID-19 are higher among unvaccinated individuals.

As depicted in the graph above for the reporting period between May 30, 2021, and Jan. 16, 2022, 16 fully vaccinated Humboldt County resident died from COVID-19. The average age of those deaths was 79. During that same period, 52 unvaccinated residents died from the virus. The average age of those deaths was 67. During that same period, 63 fully vaccinated residents were hospitalized with an average age of 73 and 254 unvaccinated individuals were hospitalized with an average age of 58. 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 115, meaning that for every 100,000 residents, approximately 115 tested positive daily over the last seven days. Case rates vary considerably by vaccination status, as illustrated in the graph above, 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 Jan. 23, for fully vaccinated individuals is 85 per 100,000 residents, while the case rate for unvaccinated individuals is 97 per 100,000 residents. View a more detailed depiction of the case rate graph here.

The COVID-19 Omicron variant continues to push record-high cases locally as the highly transmissible virus circulates widely in the community. The California Department of Public Health 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.

Public Health officials are also continuing to recommend residents, particularly those who are not vaccinated, take preventative measures to reduce their risk of catching and spreading the virus. 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.

Vaccines have been approved and are recommended for those aged 5 and older and all eligible individuals aged 12 and older are recommended to receive a booster. While vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals are both at high risk to get Omicron, fully vaccinated or boosted individuals typically develop milder symptoms, experience shorter illness duration and have fewer hospitalizations and less severe outcomes. 

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 — Friday, Jan. 28, 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.

McKinleyville Family Clinic— Saturday, Jan. 29, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 
       McKinleyville High School (1300 Murray Road)
       Ages 5 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, Jan. 31, 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. 1, 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. 1, 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. 1, 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.

Eureka — Wednesday, Feb. 2, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
       Humboldt County Agricultural Building (5630 S. Broadway 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.

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.

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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