COVID-19 News & Updates

UPDATED: Friday, January 28 at 5:40 PM

The City of Arcata is monitoring COVID-19 and is working with, and following all recommended guidelines from, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the California Department of Public Health and the Humboldt County Department of Health & Human Services. The spread of COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving situation, and the City is dedicated to keeping the community safe and informed during this unprecedented time. Updated COVID-19 related news will be provided on this webpage as it becomes available.

Arcata City Hall is open for in-person services from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday. Due to the increase of COVID-19 cases locally, face coverings are required for all City employees and members of the public inside City facilities regardless of vaccination status. Click here for information on how to access City services remotely.

Humboldt County Health Update

UPDATED: Friday, January 28 at 5:40 PM

196 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported on Friday, January 28. Three new hospitalizations were also reported. A total of 16,809 Humboldt County residents have now tested positive for the virus. Please click here to read the full update.

The Humboldt County Health Officer issued an updated Universal Masking Order that took effect on Monday, August 8, for all people age two and older regardless of vaccination status. This order lifted outdoor masking requirements in most settings. Under the terms of the order, masking is required in:

• All indoor public spaces
• Additionally, masking is recommended but not required in private settings.

For more information, please click here. Members of the public who wish to report potential violations of this Health Order in Arcata may call 707-822-5953.

It is important that the community continues to be tested for COVID-19 to prevent the virus from spreading. Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms should contact their primary care provider or the Joint Information Center at 707-441-5000. The OptumServe testing site located in Eureka has expanded freeCOVID-19 testing to include Saturday and Sunday. Testing is now available from 7 AM to 7 PM every day of the week. Free testing is also availabe on Fridays in Arcata. To schedule a free COVID-19 test through OptumServe, click here or call 888-634-1123.

Public Health officials advise unvaccinated and partially vaccinated community members to get fully vaccinated as soon as possible, as partial vaccination may leave a person vulnerable to new variants. Full vaccination means both doses in a two-dose series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or one dose of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Full protection is achieved two weeks after completing the vaccination series. Officials urge those who are hesitant or have questions to discuss their concerns with their primary care provider or speak to a Public Health nurse by calling the Joint Information Center at 707-441-5000.

All Humboldt County residents age 5 and over can now sign up for COVID-19 vaccination appointments through My Turn. This includes people with or without medical conditions and from all sectors and occupations. For more information, click here or visit MyTurn.ca.gov. to sign up to receive a vaccine appointment.

Vaccination Clinic Updates

UPDATED: Friday, January 28 at 5:40 PM

Local data indicates that getting vaccinated remains the single most important thing eligible residents can do to prevent serious illness from COVID-19.

The Pfizer vaccine is approved for children as young as 5 years old, and minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to receive the vaccine. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are authorized for those 18 and older. Full protection from the vaccine is achieved two weeks after receiving the second dose of a two-dose series or two weeks after receiving a single-dose vaccine.

State guidance also recommends COVID-19 vaccine boosters for all adults aged 18 and older - as long as it has been at least six months since their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or two months since their Johnson & Johnson shot. California recently expanded its Pfizer booster eligibility for 16 and 17-year-olds and is encouraging boosters as protection against the Omicron variant.

For a full list of upcoming Public Health vaccination clinics in Humboldt County, click here. Testing for COVID-19 is now available at most Public Health vaccine clinics, where residents will have the option of getting tested, vaccinated or both. As always, testing and vaccination services are provided free of charge.

Vaccines, including boosters, are also available at local pharmacies. To check the availability of a specific vaccine, visit the vaccines.gov page, or text your ZIP code to 438829 to locate a nearby pharmacy offering vaccines.

Walk-ins are allowed at most Public Health and many pharmacy vaccination sites, although people without appointments may see significant delays. Appointments are strongly recommended, and the best way to ensure you receive a vaccine shot is to make an appointment at MyTurn.ca.gov.

For instructions in English or Spanish on how to use My Turn, please click here. To schedule a free COVID-19 test through OptumServe, click here or call 888-634-1123.

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