Press release from the Humboldt County Public Health Division:

Humboldt County Public Health reported today the death of a resident aged 80 or older due to COVID-19. Staff in the Department Operations Center extend their condolences to all who have lost a loved one to the virus.

Four new hospitalizations, a resident in their 50s and three in their 60s, were reported since Friday. An additional 581 new cases were also reported, bringing to 17,390 the total number of confirmed positive tests for the virus locally.

According to Humboldt County Health Officer Dr. Ian Hoffman, the county may have passed the peak in COVID-19 cases, but numbers as a result of the Omicron variant remain high. Hoffman cautioned that a high point in hospitalizations tends to lag a few weeks after the peak in cases.

Residents are encouraged to continue protective measures such as distancing six feet from others when possible and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces. The state remains under a mandatory mask order in all indoor public spaces, and it is recommended that individuals wear a well-fitted mask approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Today the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave full approval to the Moderna vaccine for individuals aged 18 and older, citing data that it meets its highest standards for safety, effectiveness and manufacturing quality. The Moderna vaccine, which joins Pfizer as the FDA’s second fully approved COVID-19 vaccine, will be marketed as Spikevax.

“While hundreds of millions of doses of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine have been administered to individuals under emergency use authorization, we understand that for some individuals, FDA approval of this vaccine may instill additional confidence in making the decision to get vaccinated,” said acting FDA Commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock.

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. With the recent emergence of the Omicron variant, the CDC and other public health officials are recommending 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 Omicron, officials say the risk of hospitalization and death for those who are unvaccinated remains significantly higher. It is recommended that unvaccinated individuals reduce the risks of becoming infected and spreading the virus by washing their hands frequently, wearing masks in indoor public spaces and staying six feet apart from other people when possible.

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.

Over the weekend, 153 individuals were vaccinated at two Public Health clinics held in Eureka and McKinleyville.

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 — 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 3:30 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.

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

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 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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