Masks with a one-way valve (typically a raised plastic cylinder about the size of a quarter on the front or side of the mask) are designed for industrial use, such as construction or carpentry work, to protect the user from inhaling dust and certain particles encountered during sanding projects, sawing, sweeping, etc.  While these masks may protect the wearer from breathing particles, the valve also permits respiratory droplets to exit the mask, putting others nearby at risk. 

The purpose of the State of California's facial covering guidelines is to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets from one wearer to another. COVID-19 can be spread by people who do not have symptoms and do not know that they are infected. Use of face coverings lowers the risk that an undiagnosed carrier will transmit it to others.

Wearing a mask with a valve makes it impossible to keep with the spirit of ‘your mask protects me, my mask protects you.'

Any mask that incorporates a one-way valve is not a proper Face Covering under the California Department of Public Health's facial covering guidelines of and is not to be used to comply with federal, state, local and individual business requirements for masking around other people.  A store or business can prohibit you from entering the building if you do not have a face covering or if you are wearing a mask with a valve.

Read Get the Most out of Masking to learn how a mask can best protect you.

Students and staff should NOT come to school:

• If your child / children have any of the key symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, shortness of breath / difficulty breathing, loss of taste or smell). They must schedule COVID-19 testing and/or visit with a healthcare provider.
  • Siblings and other household contacts must stay home until a negative COVID-19 test is confirmed or a healthcare provider gives an alternate diagnosis (e.g., migraine, strep throat).
  • The sick person may return to school after they test negative for COVID-19 (with copy of a negative test) or after being evaluated by a healthcare provider and given an alternate diagnosis (with clearance from the healthcare provider to return to school);
    • if the sick person’s symptoms have improved AND the person is fever-free for > 24 hours w/o fever reducing medications.
  • If the sick person is not tested or evaluated by a healthcare provider, they must stay at home and isolate for at least 10 days (Test or 10).
• If your child / children have two or more of the following symptoms (fever [100.4°F/38°C or greater] or chills • sore throat • headache • nausea or vomiting • diarrhea • fatigue • congestion / runny nose), they must schedule COVID-19 testing and/or visit with a healthcare provider.
  • Siblings and other household contacts must stay home until a negative COVID-19 test is confirmed or a healthcare provider provides an alternate diagnosis (e.g., migraine, strep throat).
  • The sick person may return to school after they test negative for COVID-19 (with copy of a negative test) or after being evaluated by a healthcare provider and given an alternate diagnosis (with clearance from healthcare provider to return to school);
    • if symptoms improved AND fever-free for > 24 hours w/o fever reducing medications.
  • If the sick person is not tested or evaluated by a healthcare provider, they must stay at home and isolate for at least 10 days (Test or 10).
• If your child / children has any one of the following symptoms (fever [100.4°F/38°C or greater] or chills • sore throat • headache • nausea or vomiting • diarrhea • fatigue • congestion / runny nose), they may return to school after symptoms improved and fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.
  • Siblings and other household contacts do not need to stay home. COVID-19 testing and/or healthcare provider evaluation are not necessary unless required by a school nurse who suspects COVID-19.
  • If a household member (incl. caregiver) has any of the more common symptoms of COVID-19 or two or more of the COVID-19 symptoms listed above
    • They should contact their healthcare provider or schedule testing immediately.
    • Students and staff must stay home until their household member tests negative for COVID-19.
    • If the household member tests positive for COVID-19, your family must quarantine for 10 days from their last contact.
  • If they had close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19 (e.g., relative, friend). If your child has had close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID19, they must stay at home and quarantine for 10 days after their last contact with the person who has COVID-19.
  • Students with known underlying health conditions may be at increased risk of severe illness. These health conditions may include diabetes (Types I and II), immune system deficiencies, or chronic respiratory conditions. If your child has a chronic health condition, please consult with your child’s healthcare provider to determine if/when it is safe to attend school.

Any student or staff member who has tested positive for COVID-19 or who has been exposed to COVID-19 must stay home from school and follow Marin County Public Health’s At Home Quarantine & Isolation Safety Guidance. Parents / guardians must notify the school immediately if their child or household member tests positive for COVID-19 or if a household member may have been exposed to COVID-19. This information will be kept confidential.

Nearly all COVID-19 vaccines administered in the United States require two shots with the exception of Johnson and Johnson which is one dose. The initial vaccine and the second vaccine must be from the same vaccine company (e.g., you cannot mix Moderna and Pfizer).  The first shot starts building protection, but everyone must come back 3-4 weeks later for the second one to get the most protection the vaccine can offer. The first shot primes the immune system, helping it recognize the virus, and the second shot strengthens the immune response.

Learn more about the COVID-19 Vaccine in Marin County on our vaccine information webpage.

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were the first to be approved. Johnson and Johnson is also approved for use. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines requires two doses three to four weeks apart. The Johnson and Johnson is one dose.

Yes. On April 6, 2021, the Governor announced that California will fully open its economy on June 15 if two criteria are met:
• If vaccine supply is sufficient for Californians 16 years and older who wish to be inoculated; and
• If hospitalization rates are stable and low.
The State and county are on target to meet these criteria. We anticipate industry guidance will be updated at that time.