Following a data transmission failure yesterday between two State of California computer systems, local Public Health officials have confirmed today 90 new positive cases for the two-day period. The total number of residents who have tested positive for the virus now stands at 7,984.
Four new hospitalizations have been reported, including one person in their 30s, two in their 50s, and one over the age of 80.
Public health officials continue to urge residents to get tested, particularly unvaccinated individuals, those experiencing symptoms, and those who have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus.
Testing has declined slightly over the past few weeks, and wait times for walk-in vaccines are minimal. The turnaround time for PCR results is currently 48 to 72 hours. Click humboldtgov.org/2787/Test-Registration for more information and a list of local test sites.
As of Tuesday, 74,761 Humboldt County residents have been fully vaccinated, or 55 percent of the county’s total population. Slightly more than 70 percent of the vaccine-eligible population age 12 and older has received at least one dose.
Free COVID-19 vaccines are available every day this week at Public Health clinics located throughout the county. Walk-ins are welcome, and appointments can be made in advance at MyTurn.ca.gov. For instructions in English and Spanish on how to use My Turn, go to humboldtgov.org/VaccineInfo.
See the schedule of upcoming Public Health clinics below:
Eureka – Thursday, Sept. 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
HCAR Parking Lot (1707 E St.)
Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson
Petrolia – Friday, Sept. 17, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Mattole Valley Resource Center (203 Old Coast Wagon Road)
Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson
Honeydew – Friday, Sept. 17, from 3:15 to 5:15 p.m.
Honeydew School (1 Wilder Ridge Road)
Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson
Miranda – Saturday, Sept. 18, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
South Fork High School (6831 Avenue of the Giants)
Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson
McKinleyville – Sunday, Sept. 19, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
McKinleyville High School (1300 Murray Road)
Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson
To check availability of a particular vaccine at local pharmacies, visit vaccines.gov, or text a ZIP code to 438829 to locate a pharmacy offering vaccines nearby. Most pharmacies allow walk-ins.
Pfizer is authorized for those 12 and older, and Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are authorized for people age 18 and older. County residents age 16 and 17 can receive a vaccination at Public Health clinics without a parent or guardian physically present as long as they have a signed consent form. Children under 16 still must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.
While some fully vaccinated individuals do become infected with COVID-19, health officials overwhelmingly agree that vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the incidence of severe outcomes.
Full protection from vaccination is achieved two weeks after receiving the second dose of a two-dose series or two weeks after receiving a single-dose vaccine.
Beginning Monday, Sept. 20, Public Health will no longer call every resident who tests positive for COVID-19. Instead, those who test positive will receive a text message or email from CalCONNECT, the state’s virtual contact tracing system. The message will include a link to a contact tracing survey along with instructions for isolation.
Anyone who is identified as a close contact of someone known to have COVID-19 should follow quarantine guidance. Read more about isolation and quarantine and access resources for home care at humboldtgov.org/blanketorders.
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 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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