The status update for April 9th, 2020 includes Marin COVID-19 activity, information on a new Health Order on short-term rental lodging, a new parking resolution and a video update from Dr. Lisa Santora.
COVID-19 activity in Marin:
| Marin Confirmed Cases: | 154 |
| Marin Deaths: | 10 |
| Marin Persons Tested: | 1,956 |
| Marin Hospitalizations: | 29 |
| California Confirmed Cases: | 19,691 |
| California Deaths: | 538 |
Our epidemiology and communicable disease teams have been working diligently to collect and provide additional information about confirmed COVID-19 cases. We’ve updated our data website to include information about deaths and hospitalizations by age.
To see a breakdown of confirmed cases by age or gender, visit Marin HHS’s data website. In addition, our surveillance team monitors respiratory illness activity and hospital visits. Tracking the total number of visits and those due to respiratory illnesses provides a situational awareness of current resource needs in our community, which helps advance policies to limit community spread and support our excellent healthcare partners’ capacity to respond. Visit the data website to learn more.
Public Health Order restricting the use of short-term lodging
While Marin residents continue to abide by the Stay At Home order and help flatten the curve, a stream of vacationers and visitors continue to occupy short-term rentals throughout the county. This increases the chance for community transmission of COVID-19 and is considered non-essential travel.
After substantial guidance from the Marin Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the California Department of Public Health, a new Health Order restricting the use of short-term lodging facilities will be in effect from 11:59 p.m. on April 9, 2020 through May 3, 2020.
The Order is based on evidence of increasing occurrence of COVID-19 within the County of Marin and throughout the Bay Area and scientific evidence and best practices regarding the most effective approaches to slow the transmission of communicable diseases generally and COVID-19 specifically.
Traditional operation of short-term lodging facilities, which rely on a rotating clientele often from outside the County, impair efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Short-Term Lodging Facilities are defined as vacation rentals, short-term rentals, timeshares, hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and other lodging facilities rented for 30 days or less.
Parking resolution to help curb non-essential travel for recreation
On April 9th, 2020 the Director of Emergency Services signed an emergency parking resolution to help curb non-essential travel to parks and open space areas in Marin County. The resolution, which applies to unincorporated areas of Marin County, designates no parking zones around multiple areas within our jurisdiction. Specifically, areas where parks and open space are accessed.
The Marin County Sheriff's Office will enforce non-essential motorized travel to parks and open space throughout unincorporated Marin County with new parking restrictions.
Unfortunately, Marin continues to see a large number of visitors travelling to Marin County for non-essential reasons. More specifically, a multitude of visitors not practicing social distancing and crowding our trails, parks and neighborhoods, which puts the health and safety of our county at risk.
Over a week ago, the Marin County Sheriff’s Office began issuing warning citations informing motorized travelers they were in violation of the Shelter Order by driving for recreational purposes. Since that time, they have issued thousands of warning citations on vehicles parked in violation of the shelter in place order. Driving to Marin’s parks and open space is considered non-essential travel as outlined in both the Shelter and Park Orders.
Parking within these areas, which will be clearly identified with signage, will be a violation of Marin County Code 15.36.060. The fine associated with this code is one hundred (100) dollars.
Deputies and Parking Enforcement Officers from the Marin County Sheriff’s Office will be enforcing this Marin County Code. All residents and visitors should stay near their home and utilize non-motorized means to access our parks and open space.
Video update from your Deputy Public Health Officer
Dr. Lisa Santora provides an update on COVID-19 activity in Marin County and shifts the focus to making sure we are also caring for our pets and highlights Marin Humane and the excellent work they are doing in response to COVID-19.
Where to get the latest information:
Visit the official Marin County Coronavirus webpage (MarinHHS.org/coronavirus) to review answers to frequently asked questions, access guidance for special groups and subscribe for email updates. To view past status updates concerning COVID-19 activity in Marin County, click on the resources tab on the Coronavirus webpage.
Have questions? Individuals can contact Marin Health and Human Services with non-medical questions about the coronavirus by calling (415) 473-7191 (Monday – Friday, 9:30am to 12-noon and 1pm to 5pm).