Humboldt County Public Health reported today 80 new cases of COVID-19 since Friday, bringing to 10,259 the total number of residents who have tested positive for the virus. One new hospitalization of a resident in their 70s was also reported.
Over the weekend, 346 individuals were vaccinated at Public Health clinics held in Eureka and Fortuna that included pediatric, first and second doses, as well as additional doses and boosters.
Omicron has been detected in about a third of U.S. states, including in the Northeast, South, Great Plains and on the West Coast. Wisconsin and Missouri are among the latest to confirm cases. But Delta remains the dominant variant, making up more than 99% of cases and driving a surge in hospitalizations.
The consensus among researchers so far is that vaccines will likely continue to protect against severe COVID-19, but the Omicron variant may prove to spread faster than Delta, even among people who are fully vaccinated or have been previously infected.
There are currently no known cases of the Omicron variant in Humboldt County, but health officials are continuing to request that doctors ask patients about their travel history so that those who may have been exposed can be identified and tested.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) stricter COVID-19 testing requirements for all travelers entering the United States took effect today. The new rule requires each traveler flying into the U.S. from another country, regardless of vaccination status, to test negative one day before their departure. This changes rules that had allowed inbound travelers to test up to three days before entering the country.
Additionally, the CDC recommends that all international travelers get a COVID-19 test three to five days after travel regardless of vaccination status. Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 after travel should test immediately.
Residents who travelled internationally in the past two weeks and test positive on at-home tests are asked to call the Joint Information Center at 1-707-441-5000 to report their results to Public Health. Those who have not travelled outside the U.S. and test positive with an at-home test for COVID-19 should notify their primary care provider, or Public Health if there is no provider, and isolate to limit the spread of disease.
All eligible adults aged 18 and older are encouraged to get a booster. Health officials also stress that those who are partially vaccinated should complete their vaccination series. Someone who is fully vaccinated is half as likely to pass on the infection as someone who is unvaccinated. According to data from the CDC, an unvaccinated person is nearly six times more likely to get COVID-19 and 14 times more likely to die from COVID-19 than a vaccinated person.
Public Health is offering family vaccination clinics throughout December to give priority to children aged 5 to 11 and provide family members a convenient way to get their vaccines.
Vaccines, including boosters, are available at local pharmacies. To check the availability of a specific vaccine, visit the vaccines.gov page, or text a ZIP code to 438829 to locate a nearby pharmacy offering vaccines.
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, a sharp 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.
See the schedule below for specific Public Health vaccination and testing clinic dates, times, locations and available services:
Willow Creek — Tuesday, Dec. 7, 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.
$25 gift card for adults receiving a first or second dose
Appointments strongly recommended.
Redway — Wednesday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed from noon to 1 p.m.
DHHS Office (3156 Redwood Drive)
Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna.
PCR and rapid testing available.
$25 gift card for adults receiving a first or second dose.
Appointments strongly recommended.
Trinidad Family Clinic— Thursday, Dec. 9, 4 to 7 p.m.
Trinidad Town Hall (409 Trinity St.)
Ages 5-18 and family members.
Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna.
PCR and rapid testing available.
Appointments strongly recommended.
Eureka— Friday, Dec. 10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – FULL
College of the Redwoods Gym Lobby (7351 Tompkins Hill Road)
Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna.
PCR and rapid testing available.
Hoopa Family Clinic — Saturday, Dec. 11, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Hoopa High (101 Loop Road, Hoopa)
Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna.
PCR and rapid testing available.
Eureka — Sunday, Dec. 12, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ag Building (5630 South Broadway, Eureka)
Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna.
PCR and rapid testing available.
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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