56 new COVID 19 cases reported today, county expected to move into purple tier tomorrow

Fifty-six new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed today, which includes cases documented over the weekend. 

Two previous positive cases were reassigned due to clarification of an individual’s county of residence and a specimen which required retesting. This brings the total to 784 county residents who have tested positive for the virus.

Humboldt’s internal data show the county’s case rate at over 7.0, and it is expected that the county will move into the Purple or “Widespread” Tier tomorrow under the state’s “Blueprint for a Safer Economy.” Humboldt County Health Officer Dr. Teresa Frankovich said that this would have an immediate effect on sectors, especially restaurants, gyms and places of worship, which would need to operate outdoors only.  

“This was, unfortunately, anticipated, as we’ve been seeing sharp increases in case counts throughout the community,” Dr. Frankovich said. “Our goal is to stabilize and then decrease COVID-19 activity throughout Humboldt, in order to return to a less restrictive tier and protect our healthcare system.” 

Public Health is changing its contact investigations process to meet the demands of rapidly increasing case counts. The Joint Information Center will issue information about that process later today.