Press release from the Humboldt County Joint Information Center:
131 additional cases of COVID-19 were reported over the three-day weekend. One case previously reported was considered a duplicate, so the total number of county residents who test positive is now 2,393.
The state on Sunday recommended that counties pause administration of a single batch of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine. This batch represents approximately 90% of the doses that Humboldt County has on hand for the new first doses that should be scheduled for this week. Health official Dr. Ian Hoffman described this as a “huge setback” and said that while no scheduled appointment has been postponed or canceled until this week, the next groups in the vaccination queue may be the hardest hit.
“Plans to expand vaccination clinics for people over 75 have been delayed by this break, and it is unclear how long this will continue,” said Dr. Hoffman. “People in this age group were just starting to be vaccinated by local providers, so we are working hard to ensure more doses from anywhere that are available to minimize disruption as much as possible.” He went on to say, “It is entirely possible that the batch will be released for distribution and we can resume plans to vaccinate older adults, but now we just don’t know when that will be.”
In related news, the California Department of Public Health announced today that Humboldt County remains at the “Purple” or generalized level under the state’s “Safer Economy Project”, with an adjusted case rate of 17.7 and a positivity rate of 4.9%.
Dr. Hoffman added that county residents should continue to follow COVID-19’s safety measures, including the use of a facial cover, keeping at least 6 feet away from anyone outside their home, avoiding meetings and washing your hands frequently.
For the latest information on COVID-19, visit cdc.gov or cdph.ca.gov. Local information is available at humboldtgov.org or during business hours, by contacting [email protected] or by calling 707-441-5000.
Information on the COVID-19 vaccine site: humboldtgov.org/vaccineinfo
Humboldt County COVID-19 data panel: humboldtgov.org/dashboard
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Humboldt Health Alert: humboldtgov.org/HumboldtHealthAlert###
= historical data. All data from the Humboldt County Joint Information Center.
CalREDIE data. Unlisted postal codes had five cases or less. American Community Survey postcode populations, 2018.