The City of Arcata is monitoring COVID-19 and is working with, and following all recommended guidelines from, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the California Department of Public Health and the Humboldt County Department of Health & Human Services.
The spread of COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving situation, and the City is dedicated to keeping the community safe and informed during this unprecedented time.
Updated information will be provided here as it becomes available.
Current News
- There are no currently confirmed or reported cases of COVID-19 in Arcata. The City of Arcata is actively working with Humboldt County health agencies to protect our community, prepare for local cases and assist in maintaining the health and safety of our region.
- Humboldt County has declared a Local Health Emergency in response to the COVID-19 outbreak in California and beyond. This action is expected to free up additional resources within the County and increase coordination between local, state and federal authorities working to respond to the outbreak. The emergency declaration will also support the Humboldt County Public Health Laboratory, which is now able to begin on-site COVID-19 testing locally.
- The overall risk of exposure to Humboldt County residents and visitors, including Arcata, is considered low by medial experts at this time. The City will continue to closely monitor the situation and is prepared to implement protocols in the event that risk of COVID-19 exposure increases in Arcata and greater Humboldt County.
- Humboldt State University has taken many precautions to prevent the spread of the virus on campus. Following Spring Break, classes, assignments and exams are canceled Monday, March 23 through Wednesday, March 25. Classes will be taught in alternative modes starting Thursday, March 26 to Friday, April 17. The campus will remain open and all student services will be available, however all non-essential social and non-essential academic-related events and activities are suspended through Friday, April 17 and all intercollegiate and Club athletics are canceled for remainder of the spring semester.
Please click here for the latest local updates from the Humboldt County Department of Health & Human Services or to sign up to receive Humboldt County Health Alerts. Community members may also contact the County directly by emailing covidinfo@co.humboldt.ca.us or calling 707-441-5000. For medical advice or questions about testing, contact Public Health by emailing hhsphb@co.humboldt.ca.us or calling 707-445-6200.
For the most recent updates from Humboldt State University, please click here.
City Programs & Services
City Hall currently open during regular business hours, however the City has cancelled some meetings, events and programs as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
- All remaining City of Arcata Committee meetings are cancelled through the month of March.
- Arcata & Mad River Transit (AMRTS) will reduce bus schedule hours on all bus lines. AMRTS will operate from 7 AM to 7 PM beginning, Monday March 16 through at least Tuesday, March 24.
- Arcata Recreation’s Drop-In Programs including Hula, badminton, basketball, gymnastics, Judo Hut classes and Arcata Play Center are cancelled through the month of March.
- To help protect the health of older adults in the community, the Humboldt Senior Resource Center has postponed in-house dining and meal delivery services until further notice, including the senior lunch program at the Arcata Community Center. As of now, all County Senior Dining Centers will be serving take-out meals. Reservations for take-out meal service is required and may be done so by calling 707-825-2027 or 707-822-7091.
- ARTcata ASAP, a public conversation regarding Arcata’s Strategic Arts Plan, scheduled for Friday, March 13 at the Sanctuary has been cancelled.
- Arts! Arcata has been cancelled until further notice.
- Equity Arcata’s Home Away From Home Potluck scheduled for Sunday, March 29 has been cancelled.
More information regarding City meetings, programs and events will be provided as it becomes available.
City Facilities, Social Distancing & Bill Payment Alternatives
City Facilities Staff are dedicated to following protocol recommended by the CDC by disinfecting City Hall public and open office areas regularly, and Department staff is completing additional surface disinfection on an as-needed basis.
For the health and safety of the community, individuals who are sick are asked to stay home and avoid City facilities and public spaces. All members of the community are highly encouraged to follow social distancing guidelines currently recommended by the California Department of Public Health. For more information on these guidelines, please click here.
Community members are also encouraged to:
- Pay water and sewer bills online. For more information about online payments, please click here.
- Pay City bills via the City’s automated bill system by calling 707-827-1114.
- Special service requests and billing inquiries can be made by emailing finance@cityofarcata.org or calling 707-822-5951.
Reminders & Resources
Please remember the basic steps to take to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, including:
- Stay home if you are feeling sick or if you have a fever.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow, and throw used tissues in the trash and wash your hands immediately.
- Avoid close contact (within 6 feet) with people who are ill.
- Avoid situations where you are in close contact with people who may be ill or where transmission is most likely
- Do not visit senior centers or health care facilities if you are feeling ill.
- Call a medical provider and self-isolate at home if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Do not go directly to a health care provider, call first to arrange for testing.
For more detailed information on COVID-19, including resources for individuals, employers and business owners, please click here.