Public Health: Humboldt Now Has 40 Confirmed COVID-19 Cases

by Thadeus Greenson on April 3, 2020 at 5:17PM

Two of Humboldt's 37 COVID-19 patients have been hospitalized to date but local officials have declined to provide any details on their condition. (In a video answering local media questions earlier today, Frankovich said there is currently only one local COVID-19 patient hospitalized.

Public Health: People Should Wear Masks When Leaving Home

by Thadeus Greenson on April 3, 2020 at 2:59PM

April 3, 2020 - Health Officials Change Position on Face Mask Effectiveness Following new guidance from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Humboldt County Health Officer Dr. Teresa Frankovich is now recommending members of the public wear face coverings when leaving their homes on essential business.

DIY Face Mask Template

by Jonathan Webster on April 3, 2020 at 11:56AM

Adapted by the Journal's art director Jonathan Webster from instructions by Sue Giboney of Providence St. Joseph Health. Go to www.providence.org/lp/100m-masks for more detailed instuctions plus a video tutorial.

Eureka City Schools Shifts to Distance Learning, T-S Reports

by Thadeus Greenson on April 3, 2020 at 6:54AM

The Times-Standard is reporting that the Eureka City Schools Board of Trustees has voted to shift entirely to distance learning for the remainder of the year following a recommendation from the Humboldt County Office of Education and the public health officer in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The report quotes Superintendent Fred Van Vleck calling the shift an “absolute tragedy” that will be “felt for generations to come.” Read Andrew Butler’s full report here.

Public Health Announces Spike in Local COVID-19 Cases with Nine New Positives

by Thadeus Greenson on April 2, 2020 at 5:08PM

Redwood Acres Fair Canceled

by Jennifer Fumiko Cahill on April 2, 2020 at 3:13PM

Like so many annual events, the Redwood Acres Fair and Junior Livestock Auction is not to be this year due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19. The fair's board and organizers are working out whether an online livestock sale is possible for the 4-H and FFA students who've worked hard to raise their animals.

HCOE Recommends Schools Remain Closed for the Term

by Jennifer Fumiko Cahill on April 2, 2020 at 11:55AM

According to a press release, the Humboldt County Office of Education plans to follow the advice of Public Health Officer Teresa Frankovich and the recommendation of Gov. Newsom and advise local school facilities to remain closed through the end of the school year. Distance learning implemented to slow the spread of COVID-19 will continue.

Public Health Announces County's 28th COVID-19 Case, Releases Limited Demographic Information

by Thadeus Greenson on April 1, 2020 at 5:17PM

Humboldt County Public Health has confirmed another positive case of COVID-19 locally, bringing the total to 28, and released limited demographic information about the infected population. See the full press release below.

‘Warm Hearted City' Lends a Hand

by Kimberly Wear on April 1, 2020 at 11:41AM

Property Taxes are Still Coming Due Although Late Waivers May Apply

by Kimberly Wear on April 1, 2020 at 9:56AM

Tax law outlines two main situations in which penalties can be waived, according to a release from the California Association of County Treasurers and Tax Collectors. The first is if the tax collector’s office is not open April 10 due to the deadline falling “on Saturday, Sunday or a legal holiday … or if the board of supervisors, by adoption of an ordinance or resolution, closes the county’s offices for business prior to the time of delinquency.”