SALINAS – Monterey County’s COVID-19 numbers continue to trend downward or remain steady with its case rate at 6.3 per 100,000, its test positivity rate at 2.8%, and 24 current COVID-19 hospitalizations according to the county’s website. A week ago the county’s case rate was 8.2 per 100,000, its test positivity rate was 3.2%, and there were 23 hospitalizations.

The California Immunization Registry reports that 82% of Monterey County residents 12 years of age and older have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine while 74% are fully vaccinated.

As of Wednesday, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office reports that of its jail population of 898, there are 111 active COVID-19 cases and one hospitalization. Last week it reported a population of 895, with 34 active cases and two hospitalizations. Two weeks ago, the county jail had a population of 903, with active cases numbering 130, and reported two hospitalizations.

The flu season is expected to rebound this year after cases were reported in very low numbers last year due to COVID-19 restrictions that were put in place to deal with the pandemic. County health leaders are urging the community to get a flu vaccination and stress that obtaining both a COVID-19 and flu vaccination is OK to do simultaneously.

With Halloween approaching, Monterey County Health Officer Dr. Edward Moreno suggests parents who plan on taking their children out for trick-or-treating should make sure their kids wear face coverings.

“I don’t think that children need to be wearing a face covering and a mask at the same time … that may be a little too constricting,” said Moreno.

But the health officer did recommend children wear face coverings when going out for Halloween events and activities.

And though Monterey County COVID-19 metrics over the last few weeks show a downward trend, Moreno cautions residents about dropping their guard.

“We’re still in a pandemic and we still have a third surge,” said Moreno. “We’re still seeing patients suffering from serious illness and we still have patients that are being hospitalized with COVID-19, so it’s really important the we recognize that.”

Moreno said the emphasis is still for people who have not been vaccinated to get vaccinated, and immunocompromised individuals should get a third dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine as the Centers for Disease Control has recommended and approved. Those eligible for a Pfizer booster at this time should also consider getting one.

Natividad hospital continues to offer COVID-19 vaccination clinics Wednesdays from 2-4 p.m. Everyone 12 years of age and older is eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine and some individuals 65 years of age and older can get a booster shot six months after the second of the two-dose regimen was received. Vaccinations are free. Visit www.myturn.ca.gov to make an appointment and to get more information.

The Virus Integrated Distribution of Aid Project, Soledad McDonald’s, the Monterey County Health Department, and the city of Soledad are teaming up to have a no-cost pop-up vaccine clinic.

The VIDA Project and its partners will hold the free vaccine clinic Sunday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at the McDonald’s restaurant at 1215 Front Street in Soledad. McDonald’s is offering a free Big Mac burger to those who get vaccinated.

The pop-up clinic will offer the Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines for those eligible, the Pfizer booster for those who qualify, flu shots, COVID testing, as well as having Community Health Workers on hand to help people access rental and utilities relief and other support measures.

Walk-ins are welcomed and pre-registration is recommended for vaccines. Visit www.myturn.ca.gov or call 831-205-0044. All of the event’s vaccines and services are free.