Forty-five new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Humboldt County today, the highest single-day report since January 28. One previously reported antigen-positive case was confirmed through PCR testing and has been reclassified as such to avoid duplication of cases. The total number of county residents who have tested positive now stands at 4,046.
Local health officials said that given the amount of virus circulating in the community, county residents should avoid large gatherings and get tested if they are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status. They emphasized that getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent serious illness from the virus.
County residents age 18 and older can receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at a clinic scheduled Friday at the Samoa Women’s Club. The facility is located at 115 Rideout Ave., and clinic hours are scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but making an appointment in advance is encouraged. Sign up at MyTurn.ca.gov.
With thousands of vaccine doses on hand, Humboldt County Public Health will not request any Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine this week from the State of California. Public Health will ask for an additional 1,170 Pfizer doses in preparation for the expansion of vaccination to 12- to 15-year-olds.
Both the Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices have authorized the Pfizer vaccine for anyone age 12 and up. The Western States Scientific Review Workgroup endorsed the move, and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that “all eligible children, teens, family and household members be vaccinated as soon as possible.”
Public Health is planning to hold three Pfizer vaccination clinics over the next three weeks. Clinic hours and location will be posted to My Turn as soon as they’re finalized. County residents age 12 and older who would like to be vaccinated sooner can go to vaccines.gov to check availability of the Pfizer vaccine at local pharmacies.
The CDC today released “Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated Individuals.” The new guidance states, in part, that fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask in any setting, except “where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.” This exception applies to California, because, as of now, the state requires masks to be worn in crowded outdoor events and in all indoor public settings. Changes to these state requirements will be shared as they are updated.
Read the CDC’s guidance in full at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html#anchor_1615134420389.
View the Humboldt County Data Dashboard online at humboldtgov.org/dashboard, or go to humboldtgov.org/DashboardArchives to download today’s data.
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
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Twitter: @HumCoCOVID19
Humboldt Health Alert: humboldtgov.org/HumboldtHealthAlert
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