Fourteen new cases of COVID-19 were reported today, bringing the total number of Humboldt County residents to a positive test for the virus to 3,349.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced today that 2 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in underserved areas of the state, triggering a higher limit for reassignment to the most restrictive level under the “Safer Economy Plan” ” of State . ”
Previously, assignment to the “Purple” or Broad level required an adjusted case rate of 7 per 100,000 residents. Now that the state has reached the 2 million dose mark, that number increases to 10 per 100,000. Once 2 million additional doses have been administered to these areas, the limits for the remaining layers will also be adjusted. Humboldt County is currently assigned to the “Red” or Substantial level with a case rate of 6.3 per 100,000.
Humboldt County public health officials expressed cautious optimism that the county could remain at the Red level and improve to orange or yellow, but they emphasize that it will require the community to continue to follow safety measures, take the test and apply to be vaccinated when an appointment is available.
The Director of Public Health, Michele Stephens, said: “Each day we progress in this pandemic and we hope to be able to develop that effort and get our community and economy back on track. Continue to use a face cover, wash your hands regularly, avoid large crowds and keep your distance. ”
CDPH also relaxed restrictions in various sectors and commercial activities. As of Saturday, March 13, the state is allowing breweries, wineries and non-serving distilleries to reopen outdoors with security modifications at both Purple and Red levels.
The updated state guidelines require advance reservations, limit customers to 90 minutes and demand an end to consumption on site at 8pm. Companies in this sector that serve meals must continue to follow restaurant guidelines. Bars remain closed in the Red layer.
See a complete list of sector openings, including limits for layer assignment, at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/CDPH%20Document%20Library/COVID-19/Dimmer-Framework-September_2020 .pdf
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.
Some Safeway and Pharmacy CVS locations are offering COVID-19 vaccination consultations in partnership with the federal government. Find out who is eligible for the vaccination and sign up for an appointment at one of these locations by clicking on the links below.
Safeway: https://www.mhealthappointments.com/covidappt
Pharmacy CVS: https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine?icid=cvs-home-hero1-link2-coronavirus-vaccine.
Information on the COVID-19 vaccine site: humboldtgov.org/VaccineInfo
Humboldt County COVID-19 data panel: humboldtgov.org/Dashboard
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Twitter: @ HumCoCOVID19
Humboldt Health Alert: humboldtgov.org/HumboldtHealthAlert
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