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Slip, Sliding Away
HumCo Hopes for Red
H
umboldt County’s COVID-19 case surge has slowed some, leaving hope that the county could receive a less restrictive designation from the state when it next updates risk tiers Feb. 23. Public Health reported no new confirmed COVID-19 cases Feb. 16 for the first time in a daily report since October, leaving the county’s cumulative tally at 3,025. However, the report included only 50 samples due to laboratory closures and reporting delays over the holiday weekend. When state updated its COVID risk tier assignments Feb. 16, Humboldt County remains in the most restrictive purple “widespread” tier with most of the rest of the state. However, Public Health reported that Humboldt County’s recent data would meet the red “substantial” risk tier metrics if it continues for another week, which could trigger the loosening of some restrictions next week. The state data shows Humboldt County having recorded an average of 8.2 new COVID-19 cases per day per 100,000 residents with a seven-day average test positivity rate of 4.2 percent, though the state’s data lags more than a week behind local numbers. The state as a whole reported averaging 24.2 new cases per day per 100,000 residents with an average test positivity rate of 6.5 percent.
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Vaccination efforts, meanwhile, continue to move slowly forward, with residents over the age of 75, healthcare workers, teachers and first responders currently eligible to receive their shots. In a press release yesterday, Public Health urged any local residents 75 and older who haven’t been contacted by their primary care provider or who don’t have one to call the Joint Information Center at 441-5000 to schedule a COVD-19 vaccination. Public Health reported Feb. 12 that it was slated to receive 3,550 additional vaccine doses the following week. The county said it planned to use 2,000 of them as second doses, urging anyone who’s second vaccine dose is due within five days but hasn’t been contacted to schedule an appointment to call the Joint Information Center at 441-5000. Regardless of who’s administering vaccines, the county reminds residents that clinics are by appointment or invitation only at this point, based on the state’s prioritization schedule, and walk-ups will not be accommodated. Residents are urged to continue to follow COVID safety guidelines as vaccinations roll out, which could take months. To date, Humboldt County has confirmed 3,025 cases, with 125 hospitalizations and 32 confirmed COVID-19 related deaths. As of Feb. 16, 15 Humboldt
Phoenix Direct: The California Redwood Coast Humboldt County Airport announced Feb. 11 that it will begin offering daily non-stop flights to and from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport beginning June 3. Daily flights will depart Phoenix at 10:25 a.m. and arrive in Humboldt at 12:55 p.m., and head back from ACV at 3:25 p.m. to arrive in Phoenix at 5:50 p.m. POSTED 02.11.21
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Digitally Speaking The percentage of local Latinx residents vaccinated for COVID-19 as of Feb. 9, which trailed far behind the roughly 13 percent of the overall population vaccinated. Health Officer Ian Hoffman said there are a number of reasons for the disparity, which Public Health is working to address. POSTED 02.12.21
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U.S. Highway 101 was closed at the persistently troubling Last Chance Grade south of Crescent City on Feb. 13, then again Feb. 14, and again Feb. 15, due to an active landslide. The roadway was opened to one-way, controlled traffic Feb. 16 as the Journal went to press but, with more rain in the forecast this week, motorists are advised to check latest conditions prior to travel. POSTED 02.15.21 Caltrans
County residents are currently hospitalized, according to the county’s dashboard, including four under intensive care. Humboldt County’s ICU capacity is listed at 21.4 percent. The county dashboard lists 2,845 people as having “recovered” from the virus locally, though that just means they are no longer contagious and does not account for long-term health impacts, which local
Time to Double Mask: In a Feb. 11 media availability, Humboldt County Health Officer Ian Hoffman echoed comments from infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci and new recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, saying people should double mask — wearing a medical procedure mask underneath a cloth one — to maximize fit and slow the spread of COVID-19. POSTED 02.14.21
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healthcare workers have told the Journal can be substantial, even in previously healthy patients. The county’s test positivity rate has gone from 3.6 percent in November, to 7.3 percent in December, to 9.9 percent in January. Through the first 16 days of February, the test-positivity rate sits at 7.4 percent. — Thadeus Greenson POSTED 02.16.21
State Shifts Vax Priorities: Californians with high-risk medical conditions will now qualify for COVID-19 vaccines beginning March 15, the state’s health secretary announced Feb. 12, reversing course from prior guidelines. The change adds 4 million to 6 million people to the now 19 million residents slated to be eligible for vaccinations next month, though the state is not expected to have enough doses to meet that demand. POSTED 02.12.21
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They Said It
Comment of the Week
“This vote was not an absolution of Donald Trump. His crimes are undeniable. That will go down in history, along with the senators who betrayed their oath and refused to stand up to the man who incited a violent attack against all of us and our democracy.”
“Good news for the county. Hope it keeps the charm and character of the old business.”
— North Coast Rep. Jared Huffman on the Senate’s 57-43 vote to convict former President Donald Trump on a single article of impeachment for inciting an insurrection, which fell short of the two-thirds majority needed. POSTED 02.13.21
— Patty Ohman commenting on the Journal’s Facebook page on a story about Ferndale native Guy Fieri purchasing the building that houses the Victorian Village’s iconic butcher shop and sandwich stop, Ferndale Meat Co. POSTED 02.11.21
northcoastjournal.com • Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021 • NORTH COAST JOURNAL
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