San Rafael, CA – Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that Marin County was added to the list of California counties that are being closely monitored for increased COVID-19 activity.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has created a watch list of counties where the COVID-19 situation has changed significantly over recent days such as a spike in confirmed cases, hospitalizations, outbreaks in congregate settings, or an increase in community transmission in workplaces. The watch list is based on COVID-19 data and triggers a CDPH review of open business sectors and current COVID containment strategies, among other factors.
“Now is the time for us to buckle down and be vigilant about adhering to key aspects of the shelter-in-place order,” said Dr. Lisa Santora, Marin County Deputy Public Health Officer. “Wearing facial coverings, adhering to social bubble guidelines, and practicing social distancing are among those aspects. We’ve made gradual steps forward, and without our continued vigilance we will be forced to shut down portions of our economy again.”
Newsom and CDPH directed counties that are on the watch list for three consecutive days or more to close some indoor operations such as indoor dining, where mixing of populations beyond households is occurring. If Marin county remains on the watch list through Saturday, July 4, indoor dining could be required to close as early as Sunday, July 5.
Once CDPH closes an industry sector, the state has indicated that it will remain closed for a minimum of three weeks. Further, the state announced that it is forming strike teams to help patrol businesses that refuse to comply with COVID-19 safety measures.
“That’s why we need everyone’s help,” Santora said. “The best defense we have in preventing these closures and slowing the spread of COVID-19 in our community is to promote personal protective measures. Thank you for your help in keeping our community safe and our economy open for business.”
Marin County Public Health is emphasizing the following measures:
Face coverings are mandatory: Whether as an employee or a customer, face coverings are required to be worn at both indoor and outdoor businesses. Face coverings can be as simple as a bandana but MUST cover both the nose and mouth.
Physical distancing in businesses is mandatory: Just sitting six feet apart from someone with COVID-19 for 15 minutes is considered a close enough contact to warrant self-quarantine and testing. It’s crucial that business patrons and employees continue to practice physical distancing as much as possible.
Continue to follow public health guidelines: Old habits are hard to break, but it’s crucial that every business is implementing public health guidelines for the safety of the entire community. Be sure to notify Marin County Public Health immediately of any confirmed or suspected COVID-19 case in your workplace.