COVID-19 Status Update for 12/21/2020

Marin County COVID-19 Status Update for December 21 includes an update on vaccines in Marin County; tips for having the “COVID Talk” with family and friends; an update from the Governor on statewide ICU capacity and vaccine progress; and an updated snapshot of local COVID-19 data.

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The Marin County COVID-19 Status Update is published daily to share important news and resources related to the COVID-19 pandemic and to keep the local economy running. We remain here for you.

Next Wave of COVID-19 Vaccines Arrive in Marin County

This morning, Marin County received its second shipment of COVID-19 vaccines, including 3,100 doses of the newly FDA authorized Moderna vaccine. This new batch of vaccines will be used to continuing vaccinating heath care workers at local hospitals and starting the process of vaccinating first responders.

Last week, Marin County nearly exhausted its initial vaccine allotment, distributing vaccines to more than 1,750 frontline healthcare workers at local hospitals and 13 Marin -based skilled nursing facilities. Stay up-to-date on the COVID vaccine in Marin by viewing our vaccine webpage or watching recent video updates on our COVID Vaccine playlist.

Navigating Holiday Gatherings: Have the “COVID Chat”

Saying no to people we love is never easy. Declining an invitation or suggesting a change to longstanding holiday plans may mean disappointing loved ones. But knowing how to say no is the first step to protecting your health and the health of people you care about. These strategies may help when having the "COVID chat":

• Prepare ahead of time. Write down your reasons for choosing not to meet in person during this period of heightened threat. If you're anxious about the conversation, gain confidence by rehearsing what you will say on your own or with a friend, partner, or in the mirror.
• Be firm and direct. State your decision clearly at the beginning of the conversation. If you stall or waver, you may give the impression that you are open to negotiation. Remember, a simple, direct no, is the best way to make yourself understood and closes the door for negotiations.
• Acknowledge your own sadness. Make it clear that you are avoiding gatherings because of the virus, not because of your feelings about the person you are speaking with. If you are sad and disappointed to not be able to see them in person, say so. Tell them you miss them and that you are tired of the pandemic too.
• Stay focused on your own comfort level. Be clear that you are making a personal decision based on your own risk tolerance. Use I statements. Don't get into a debate about the seriousness of COVID-19. It may help to frame your decision around concern for others, such as "I don't want to be responsible for putting you at risk."
• Listen. Loved ones who were looking forward to seeing you may be hurt, disappointed, or angry at a change in plans. Take the time to listen to them and acknowledge their emotions without arguing. Be understanding if they need time to process their feelings.
• Suggest alternatives. Remind them that you still care about them and that there are other ways to stay connected. Offer to host a video call while cooking or eating dinner, or to drop off their favorite dish. Even if they are not interested in replacing a planned in-person event with a virtual one this time, you can make an effort to call or text to say hi more often.

COVID-19 doesn't take holidays off. For the health of our whole community, please reconsider plans to gather in person during this period.

Governor Provides Update on Statewide ICU Capacity, Vaccine Distribution

Today, Governor Gavin Newsom hosted an online briefing, revealing that the state’s overall available ICU capacity has slipped to just 2.5%. In the Southern California and San Joaquin Regions of the state, where available ICU capacity is 0%, alternative care sites (ACS) have been activated to help decompress hospital surge in those areas. Currently, 62 patients are distributed among 4 ACS sties. The Governor warned that the current Regional Stay Home Order is likely to be extended until ICU capacity figures improve. The Bay Area Region’s available ICU capacity improved slightly today, reaching 13.7%.

In addition, Governor Newsom provided a statewide snapshot of the vaccine effort. Last week, the state received 560,625 doses of the Pfizer vaccine and expects to receive 672,600 doses of the Moderna vaccine this week. Finally, Newsom reviewed the new Federal COVID-19 Relief package and what it means for California.

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:

Current Hospitalization Data:

UPDATE: The method for recording and reporting Marin County ICU capacity is being revised by Marin Public Health, local hospitals and the California Department of Public Health to ensure accurate reporting. Regional ICU capacity will continue to be published since it determines Marin’s status with the State of California’s Regional Stay Home Order.

Residential Care & Skilled Nursing Facility COVID-19 activity:

State COVID-19 activity:

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 Tests
• COVID-19 Vaccine
• Face Coverings & Masks
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Donation Options
• Business Reopening Guidelines
• Archive of past status updates

Contact Us. We Are Here for You.

Have questions?  We are here to help: contact our COVID-19 Response Team. 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
• Tweet & share this update with your friends on Twitter!