From Humboldt County Joint Information Center: No New Cases for Third Day in a Row

April 10, 2020

No additional cases of COVID-19 were confirmed today, marking the first three-day period without a new case in Humboldt County since March 21.

“No new cases is always good news, and I thank the entire community for their cooperation in responding to COVID-19,” Humboldt County Health Officer Dr. Teresa Frankovich said. “We fully expect to see additional cases going forward and appreciate the opportunity this slowing provides to all preparedness efforts.” Frankovich said sheltering in place keeps mildly symptomatic and asymptomatic people from being in close contact with individuals outside their home.

A total of 1,349 Humboldt County residents have been tested since the outbreak began. The county testing rate of 947 per 100,000 residents exceeds the state rate of 445 per 100,000 and the national rate of 726 per 100,000 people. The estimated U.S. rate of confirmed cases is 148 per 100,000 people, four times higher than the Humboldt County rate of 37 per 100,000 residents. The state rate stands at 51 cases per 100,000 people.

Notes on patient and demographic data To protect the identity of people with COVID-19, their specific location of residence will not be disclosed. The Humboldt County Public Health Branch is legally responsible for protecting personal health information, including residence address, specific age, recent travel, the identities and locations of any contacts, the provider of medical treatment, the course of illness and any other information that might identify an individual with or exposed to the virus unless it serves the interests of public health to do so.

Although we understand it is of interest to residents, providing location and demographic information to the general public does nothing to slow the spread of illness. Humboldt County is experiencing untraceable person-to-person transmission, also known as “community spread,” and there is no place that can be considered safe. To reduce your chances of acquiring or spreading COVID-19, avoid travel, wash your hands, keep yourself and your environment clean, follow the shelter-in-place order, and do not leave home for any reason unless it is absolutely necessary to do so.