Three staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 at Sempervirens

Three staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 at Sempervirens, Humboldt County Department Health & Human Services’ (DHHS) 16-bed in-patient psychiatric hospital located in Eureka.  

Following confirmation that a staff person tested positive Sunday, an additional 63 staff and patients were tested, with one close contact of the first testing positive. A staff member who had previously undergone routine testing at OptumServe, received results on Tuesday that they were also positive. Another round of testing has been scheduled for later this week. 

DHHS Director Connie Beck said although no patients have tested positive, a secure isolation unit has been established in a separate part of the building and can be utilized as needed. She said DHHS continues to take precautions toward safety. “As case counts continue to rise throughout the county, we are constantly re-evaluating how we can provide services while taking safety precautions to protect staff, our clients and the community.” 

As is necessary when there is an outbreak in a congregate living facility, all appropriate reports and notifications have been made as required.