COVID-19 Status Update for 09/17/2020

The status update for September 17, 2020 includes two new state laws to protect front line workers; a six-month review on the County of Marin’s response to COVID-19; Updated COVID-19 Data and other updates.

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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.

Governor Signs Legislation to Protect California’s Workforce Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

Today, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed two bills as part of his worker protection package, which helps workers get the support they need if they test positive for COVID-19.

SB 1159 expands access to workers’ compensation for front line workers. Health care workers, firefighters, peace officers, and other workers who are in contact with COVID-19 patients are eligible for workers compensation if they get infected on the job. All other workers are eligible only if they get infected and their workplaces experience an outbreak over a 14-day timeframe. Finally, the law requires employers to provide notice to their workers’ compensation carrier of employees who test positive for COVID-19.

AB 685 ensures timely notification to employees and local and state public health officials of COVID-19 cases at workplaces. Employers must also report known cases to employees who may have been exposed to COVID-19 within one business day. This notification will help workers take necessary precautions such as seeking testing, getting medical help or complying with quarantine directives. This bill strengthens Cal/OSHA’s enforcement authority by providing clear authority to close a worksite due to a COVID-19 hazard and reducing the timeframe for COVID-19 citations.

COVID-19 infections and deaths disproportionately affect communities of color, both in Marin and across the State. People of color make up the majority of the state’s low-wage workers. By notifying the public and workers of potential exposures as required under these new laws, workers can take appropriate steps to protect themselves and their loved ones while also strengthening the local public health response.  

Read News Release  |  Watch Video of Today’s Bill Signing

Six Months In Review: County Workforce Adjusts to COVID-19 World

It’s been six months since the COVID-19 pandemic drastically altered life in Marin County, hitting pause on daily routines and sheltering in place as a way to secure public health. Scores of County employees have played key roles during the coronavirus response that are much different from the roles they played in the pre-COVID-19 world.

More than 1,000 of those employees are Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), as are all public employees in the State of California. While many members of the County workforce continue in regular assignments – emergency dispatchers, firefighters, Sheriff’s deputies, probation officers, social service workers, mental health professionals, and many more – DSWs have switched gears and provided high-priority safety-net services to help residents in need. County DSWs have handled a variety of roles, such as:

• managed hotels for people experiencing homelessness;
• delivered food to the most vulnerable residents;
• assembled a robust COVID-19 testing system;
• served as community liaisons;
• learned the ins and outs of effective contact tracing;
• responded quickly to the needs of skilled nursing facilities;
• evaluated and analyzed public health data;
• ensured effective spending of limited County resources;
• staffed a call center to answer resident questions;
• shopped and delivered supplies to seniors and others with mobility limitations; and
• operated an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) 24 hours a day.

County DSWs have logged more than 150,000 hours thus far in response to COVID-19. More than 14,300 calls and 6,000 emails have been answered by the DSW-staffed COVID-19 Call Center and Email Response Teams.

Continue Reading News Release  |  Watch Video About County DSWs in Action

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 4,929 acres and is and 96% contained. No evacuation warnings/orders are in place. 73 personnel 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

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