Fourteen new cases of COVID-19 were reported today, bringing to 3,349 the total number of Humboldt County residents who have tested positive for the virus.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today announced that 2 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in underserved areas of the state, triggering a higher threshold for reassignment to the most restrictive tier under the state’s “Blueprint for a Safer Economy.”
Previously, assignment to the “Purple” or Widespread tier required an adjusted case rate of 7 per 100,000 residents. Now that the state has reached the 2-million dose milestone, that number increases to 10 per 100,000. Once an additional 2 million doses have been administered to those areas, thresholds for remaining tiers will adjust as well. Humboldt County is currently assigned to the “Red” or Substantial tier with a case rate of 6.3 per 100,000.
Humboldt County Public Health officials have expressed cautious optimism that the county can remain in the Red tier and improve to Orange or Yellow, but they emphasize it will require the community to continue following safety measures, getting tested and signing up to be vaccinated when an appointment is available.
Public Health Director Michele Stephens said, “Each day we make progress in this pandemic, and we are hopeful that we can build on that effort and get our community and our economy back on track. Please continue to wear a face covering, wash your hands regularly, avoid large gatherings and maintain distance.”
CDPH also relaxed restrictions on various business sectors and activities. Beginning Saturday, March 13, the state is allowing breweries, wineries and distilleries that do not serve meals to reopen outdoors with safety modifications in place in both the Purple and Red tiers.
The updated state guidelines require advance reservations, limit patrons to 90 minutes and require an end to on-site consumption at 8 p.m. Businesses in this sector that serve meals should continue to follow restaurants guidance. Bars remain closed in the Red tier.
View a full list of sector openings, including thresholds for tier assignment, at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/CDPH%20Document%20Library/COVID-19/Dimmer-Framework-September_2020.pdf
For the most recent COVID-19 information, visit cdc.gov or cdph.ca.gov. Local information is available at humboldtgov.org or during business hours by contacting covidinfo@co.humboldt.ca.us or calling 707-441-5000.
Some Safeway and CVS Pharmacy locations are offering COVID-19 vaccination appointments in partnership with the federal government. Learn who is eligible for vaccination and sign up for an appointment at one of these locations by clicking on the links below.
Safeway: https://www.mhealthappointments.com/covidappt
CVS Pharmacy: https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine?icid=cvs-home-hero1-link2-coronavirus-vaccine.
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
###