COVID-19 Status Update for 09/10/2020

The status update for September 10, 2020 includes details an update on Marin’s status for graduating to Tier 2 on the Blueprint for a Safer Economy; A Recap of today’s Community Conversation event; details about a new State law to ensure sick time for employees who test positive for COVID-19; updated COVID-19 activity; and other updates for the day.

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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.

Update from State: Expect Confirmation of Tier Status by Monday

Marin Public Health has been in close communication with the California Department of Public Health regarding its original decision to hold Marin County in Tier One of the State’s “Blueprint for a Safer Economy” monitoring framework, despite earlier communication that Marin would move to Tier 2 on September 8. Several conversations have taken place with top officials including Dr. Eric Pan, Acting State Health Officer, Dr. Mark Ghlay, Secretary of the California Health and Human Services and our state senators.

Currently, the State continuing to hold Marin County in Tier 1 while ongoing data analysis continues through Sunday. Marin Public Health expects a final decision and announcement on Monday, September 14.  If Marin is announced as entering Tier 2 (“red” status), that status will be effective Tuesday, September 15. 

RECAP: Community Conversation – “COVID-19: Where are we now?”

In case you missed it, Dr. Matt Willis (Public Health Officer) and Benita McLarin (Director, Marin Health and Human Services) participated in today’s Community Conversation event, themed “COVID-19: Where are we now?”  Thanks to everyone who submitted questions for the event.  Topics covered during the event included local COVID-19 data and the “Blueprint for a safer economy” framework; how Marin is making progress in flattening the curve; mental health concerns; reopening progress and more.

Ways to watch:  Facebook (English) | YouTube (English) | YouTube (Spanish)

Governor Signs Bill Ensuring Access to Paid Sick Leave for Employees

Yesterday, Governor Newsom signed AB 1867 (budget trailer bill), legislation that immediately extends critical paid sick days protections to California’s workforce. Building on earlier action to expand paid sick days to employees in the food sector at the beginning of this crisis, this legislation means that every California employee that has been exposed to or tests positive for COVID-19 will have access to paid sick days for the rest of the 2020 calendar year.

AB 1867 addresses gaps in paid sick days provided in federal law and the Governor’s Executive Order by including employers with over 500 employees and public and private employers of first responders and health care employees who opted not to cover their employees under federal law. [Continue reading news release]

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:

* 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:

State COVID-19 activity:

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

To date, the Woodward Fire at Point Reyes National Seashore has burned 4,905 acres and is and 95% contained. No evacuation warnings/orders are in place. 132 personnel are working on the fire and are focused on holding the perimeter and mop-up work, as well as looking for hotspots along the perimeter line. 

Woodward Fire Information Resources:

• Woodward Fire Incident page
• Fire Public Information Line: (415) 473-7191

Air Quality for Week

A Spare the Air Alert has been issued through September 11. Smoke continues to impact the region. For those that are sensitive to poor air quality:  AQI sensors focus on smaller particles such as PM 10 or PM 2.5.  Some ash falling is larger than PM 10 (the width of a human hair) and may not be reflected in the AQI. Avoid outdoor activity during times of poor air quality. Take precautions if you must be outdoors. Protect your health by staying indoors with windows and doors closed as much as possible (if heat is not an issue).

Related Resources:

• Monitor your local air quality
• Tips to protect yourself form poor air quality during wildfires
• Public Health Advisory regarding COVID-19 & Wildfire Smoke
• Message from Dr. Willis re: Wildfire Smoke Impacts on COVID-19 response

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.

Reporting Businesses in Violation of Public Health Orders

Those wishing to report a public health order violation by a business can submit their concerns online.  Please include as much detail as possible regarding the perceived health order violation.  Photos and other documentation welcome, too.  Know that state protocols for reopening change frequently, so consult the  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 and related enforcement ordinance is to educate and keep our community safe. While violations of the public health order are misdemeanors, issuing citations or 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.

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