Tehama County COVID-19 cases continue decline; vaccines available for children 5 and older

RED BLUFF — The rate of new Tehama County coronavirus cases continued to drop gradually for another week, though the decline is leveling out, and vaccines are now available locally for children 5 and older.

Public Health Executive Director Jayme Bottke gave an update during Tuesday’s Tehama County Board of Supervisors meeting.

Children 5 years and older are eligible to receive an age-appropriate dose of the Pfizer vaccine. Public Health said children can be vaccinated with two 10-microgram doses administered 21 days apart. This dosage amount is one-third of the adolescent and adult dose.

During the seven days of Nov. 15-21, 80 new COVID-19 cases were diagnosed in the county for an average of 11.5 per day. This is down from 91 new cases, or 13 cases per day average, Nov. 1-7.

“So we are continuing to be encouraged by these numbers,” Bottke said. “However, we are cautiously optimistic moving into the holidays, and we hope to remain low. Subsequent I would say if we give a week to two weeks after Thanksgiving, I am hoping that our numbers stay steady.”

As of Friday, the county had 129 confirmed deaths due to COVID-19. Of those deaths, 86 percent were not vaccinated, 2.3 percent partially vaccinated, 8.5 percent fully vaccinated and 3 percent were of unknown status. Bottke said five people were hospitalized due to the virus.

Around 50.1 percent of the county was not vaccinated, percent 5.5 was partially vaccinated and about 44.4 percent was fully vaccinated.

Vaccines

Public Health is still administering COVID-19 tests and vaccinations at the Red Bluff Community Center, 1500 S. Jackson St.

Testing takes place 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays. Appointments can be scheduled at https://lhi.care/covidtesting or call 1-888-634-1123. Appointments are required for testing.

Vaccine appointments can be scheduled at the Community Center through My Turn or at 1-833-422-4255 if internet access is unavailable. My Turn does allow users to choose the vaccination locations and there are other locations for appointments.

Boosters

Public Health said those needing a booster shot should schedule an appointment through My Turn.

There is a vaccination clinic scheduled noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 30, at River Park. Appointments are not required.