Humboldt County reinstates mask mandate for all

El Leñador Staff August 5, 2021August 5, 2021 0 Comments

Starting on Saturday, Aug. 7, Humboldt County will be under a new universal mask order for all people age two and older, according to a Humboldt County Health Alert.

Humboldt County Health Officer Dr. Ian Hoffman reinstated the mask mandate today. Masks must be worn in all indoor public spaces, outdoor public events, and outdoor spaces where six feet physical distance cannot be maintained. This applies to vaccinated and non-vaccinated people. Masking is recommended, but not required, in private settings.

“We are all exhausted by the pandemic, but our work is not done. We have to work together as a community to bring the spread of COVID-19 under control,” Dr. Hoffman said in the Health Alert.

As of Aug. 4, health officials in Humboldt reported that hospital capacity is nearing its limit in the community. Dr. Hoffman hoped the universal masking order would reduce hospitalization and case rates and prevent lockdown and closure of businesses and schools.

This order comes after the Center for Disease Control recommended on July 28 that all people wear a mask in public indoor settings in high transmission and high-risk areas. The CDC also recommended universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to schools regardless of vaccination status.

Eighty-two new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Humboldt County Wednesday, the highest single-day count in the county and far exceeding the average daily cases at the height of the pandemic in January. According to the Humboldt Health Alert, the total number of county residents who tested positive for the virus now stands at 5,351 as of Wed., August 4.

Eligible residents are urged to get vaccinated as soon as possible. All available vaccines are effective at preventing serious outcomes from COVID-19, according to the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Service. Vaccines are available by appointment and walk-ins at Public Health vaccination clinics located throughout the county, and most local pharmacies also offer COVID-19 vaccines.

See the Public Health clinic schedule for the next seven days below, and sign up in advance at MyTurn.ca.gov.

Eureka – Thursday, Aug. 5, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

College of the Redwoods Gym (7351 Tompkins Hill Road)

Pfizer/Moderna

McKinleyville – Friday, Aug. 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Six Rivers Brewery (1300 Central Ave.)

Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson

*$5 voucher toward food and drink for those who get vaccinated at this clinic.

McKinleyville – Friday, Aug. 6, from 3 to 6 p.m.

Ace Hardware (2725 Central Ave.)

Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson

*$25 gift card from Ace for those who get vaccinated at this clinic.