The status update for August 28, 2020 includes an overview of the state’s new data monitoring framework; the reopening of indoor hair salons, barbershops and malls; an opportunity to join our COVID-19 response team; updated COVID-19 activity; and a quick summary of other major events from the day.
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Marin County COVID-19 Status Update: August 28, 2020
The Marin County COVID-19 Status Update is now publishing five days a week (Monday through Friday) and as needed, in order to share important news and resources in our battle against COVID-19 and to keep our economy running. We remain here for you.
State’s Virus Plan Opens Doors for Marin County
Progress in flattening the local COVID-19 curve combined with high testing rates may allow Marin County to advance in the State of California’s new tiered rating system designed to safely pace counties through reopening. Marin’s status within the new framework means local hair salons, barbershops, along with indoor malls (at 25% capacity) can reopen indoor operations beginning Monday, August 31.
Marin will move into the second – or “red” – tier in an abbreviated timeline due in part to Marin County Public Health’s high testing rates, and assuming Marin’s case rate remains stable.
Governor Gavin Newsom introduced Blueprint for a Safer Economy, a four-tier framework by which counties will be measured for loosening and tightening restrictions on activities and business operations. The framework replaces the previous “county monitoring list” and looks at case rates and testing positivity rates at a more granular level while factoring in equity indicators such as high testing rate in disproportionally impacted areas. The new framework is a more stringent criteria for a county to move forward and graduate from the watch list, with the intent of slowing transmission of COVID-19 and reducing COVID-19 hospitalizations.
Most counties that were on the state’s monitoring list prior to the adjustment were placed on the first, or “purple,” tier, signaling a COVID-19 incidence of more than seven new cases per day per 100,000 people. Although Marin is ranked purple for now, the California Department of Public Health has confirmed Marin will move into the second – or “red” – tier in an abbreviated timeline due in part to Marin Public Health’s high testing rates, and assuming Marin’s case rate remains stable.
In the new monitoring system, countywide COVID-19 testing rates are considered when rates are calculated. Because Marin has among the highest testing rates in the state, local case rates are adjusted downward, which places Marin among counties that may move into a less restrictive tier starting September 8.
“We’ve prioritized testing from the beginning, and this is being recognized as positive sign of our response,” said Dr. Matt Willis, Marin’s Public Health Officer. “Yes, we’re seeing fewer cases, but we still have a long way to go. We need to protect these gains and stop transmission, so we can continue to move forward through this new framework.”
We’re hiring: Join our COVID-19 Response Team!
The County of Marin has an immediate need for those who are interested in being on the front lines of serving the community during this COVID-19 pandemic. The County is seeking people to serve in a variety of assignments as the County’s Emergency Response continues. This work is integral to ensuring that Marin County residents are able to access the care and resources needed to navigate current circumstances, and to provide vital services to our communities.
Potential assignments include call center staff, general office administrative work, registration assistants at field testing sites, assisting with transportation and more. Review the job description and apply online.
COVID-19 Data Update:
Below is a summary of today’s data now available on Marin Data & Surveillance webpage. View the page for a broader range of data, plus interactive graphs for confirmed COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths. Data analysis is available by age range, gender, race and city/town/geographic region. Questions about the data? See our Data FAQ or contact us.
COVID-19 activity in Marin:
DATA TYPE |
Today’s Report |
Change from Last Status Update* |
|
Total Confirmed Cases |
3,832 |
+15 |
|
Total Recovered (14 days post-diagnosis) |
3,517 |
+19 |
|
Total Deaths |
69 |
+1 |
|
Current Hospitalizations |
10 |
-6 |
|
Total / Cumulative Hospitalizations |
132 |
0 |
|
Tests Completed in Marin |
68,698 |
+821 |
* The Marin County COVID-19 Status Update is published Monday – Friday. Monday editions of the status update include data from Monday plus Saturday and Sunday of the previous weekend. Therefore, data shown under the “change from last update” heading will always be larger on Mondays and differ from what is published on the Coronavirus in Marin homepage, which is updated 7 days per week.
Residential Care & Skilled Nursing Facility COVID-19 activity:
DATA TYPE |
Today’s Report |
Change from Last Status Update |
|
Positive Patients at Facilities cumulative |
396 |
+8 |
|
Positive Patients at Facilities current |
70 |
+8 |
|
Positive Staff at Facilities current |
20 |
0 |
|
Facility Patient Deaths*** |
54 |
+1** |
|
Facility Patient Deaths as percentage of all COVID+ deaths |
78% |
+1% |
**The one death shown here were reported as part of Marin’s total death count earlier this week. However, the facility classification was delayed and not reported until today.
State COVID-19 activity:
DATA TYPE |
Today’s Report |
Change from Last Status Update |
|
California Confirmed Cases |
688,858 |
+5,329 |
|
California Deaths |
12,690 |
+140 |
In Other News… (Non-COVID Updates)
While the following is not related to COVID, it is news from Marin County's Emergency Operations Center that we thought you should know about.
Woodward Fire Update
The Woodward Fire continues to burn in Point Reyes National Seashore. To date, the Woodward Fire at Point Reyes National Seashore has burned 2,860 acres and is and 8% contained. 428 personnel are dedicated to the Woodward Fire, consisting of 13 crews, 28 engines, five helicopters, two water-scooping planes and other equipment [more details in 8/28 update]. Evacuation information has not changed since Monday, August 24. [View interactive incident map]
Please avoid the West Marin area. Public safety officials ask that coastal traffic be limited to local traffic only. There are very few evacuation routes from West Marin and there are multiple fire resources utilizing the roadways. It is imperative that roadways remain open in the event of an evacuation order.
Woodward Fire Information Resources:
- Woodward Fire Incident page
- Fire Public Information Line: (415) 473-7191
- Marin County Fire Twitter Account (frequent updates)
- Archive of daily video briefings (in English & Spanish)
Stay Informed
Follow the County of Marin on Facebook, Twitter, Nextdoor or subscribe to our status updates. Visit MarinHHS.org/coronavirus for resources to stay connected on the issue.
Helpful Links and Online Resources:
- Frequently Asked Questions
- COVID-19 Test Information
- Face Covering & Mask Information
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Donation Options
- Business Reopening Guidelines
- Business Reopening Status
- Archive of past status updates
Contact Us. We Are Here For You.
Have questions? We are here to help. Our call center is available Monday through Friday, from 9:30am to 12-noon and 1:00pm to 5:00pm. Please feel free to connect with us for general information and resources by calling (415) 473-7191. We are also available online! As a reminder, please only call 9-1-1 if you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency.
Spread the word: How your friends and family can receive these updates:
- Text "MARIN COVID" to 468311 to receive text message notifications
- Subscribe online to receive email notifications
Reporting Businesses in Violation of Public Health Orders
We know this is a challenging time. Those wishing to report a public health order violation by a business can submit their concerns to SIPViolation@marincounty.org. Please include the business name, address, and as much detail as possible regarding the perceived health order violation. Photos and other documentation welcome, too. Reports will be forwarded to the appropriate governing agency for review and investigation.
Visit Marin Recovers Status list for information on business openings and guidelines and the current health order for information on face covering requirements, shelter-in-place and more. Keep in mind that the goal of the order is to educate and keep our community safe. While violations of the public health order are misdemeanors, making arrests continues to remain a measure of last resort for local law enforcement. It will only be considered after all education and voluntary compliance efforts have failed.
Be a role model and follow the order while encouraging others to do the same. If you see a business out of compliance, you can speak directly to the owner, and offer the link or a copy of the COVID-19 Site-Specific Protection Plan as well as information about the Marin Recovers website. We’re all in this together and we all need to do our part.