Public Health Status Update for 05/01/2026 | Marin County Coronavirus Information

Marin County Public Health Status Update for May 01, 2026, includes New CalFresh Work Rules Begin June 2026—Prepare Now; Medi-Cal Dental Coverage Is Changing—Act Early; Measles Is Resurging—Make Sure You’re Fully Vaccinated; Hidden Dangers in Home Renovation: Silica Dust Exposure; Mental Health Matters: 988 Saves Lives; Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning Alert—Avoid Recreational Mussel Harvesting; West Marin Prevention and Recovery Forum; and Marin Respiratory Virus Surveillance.

Marin County Public Health (MCPH) protects our community by promoting health, preventing disease, and preparing for public health emergencies.  The MCPH Public Health Status Update is released on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month to provide news and resources concerning public health priorities.

For additional public health insights across California, subscribe to Your Local Epidemiologist – California, authored by Marin County’s former Public Health Officer. 👉 https://yourlocalepidemiologistca.substack.com/

New CalFresh Work Rules Begin June 2026—Prepare Now

Starting June 1, 2026, new federal requirements will affect CalFresh (food assistance) recipients. Adults ages 18–64 without children under 14 must complete at least 20 hours per week of work, education, job training, or community service. Those who do not meet this requirement may lose benefits after three months and could remain ineligible for up to three years unless they come into compliance. Exemptions apply to adults over 65, individuals with disabilities, and those caring for children under 14. If you may be impacted, visit https://benefitscal.com/ to manage your benefits or apply for services, and contact Marin Health and Human Services Employment & Training programs as soon as possible for support.

Medi-Cal Dental Coverage Is Changing—Act Early

Beginning July 1, 2026, Medi-Cal dental benefits will change for some adults. Individuals age 19 and older without satisfactory immigration status (UIS) will transition to emergency-only dental coverage. Children, pregnant individuals, and those in the postpartum period will continue to receive full dental benefits. If you may be affected, schedule exams and complete needed treatment now. Visit Smile, California or use the “Find a Dentist” tool to locate providers.

Measles Is Resurging—Make Sure You’re Fully Vaccinated

Measles cases are rising again across the United States. In 2026, California has reported 43 cases, while more than 1,700 cases have been confirmed nationwide—the highest number in decades. Most cases occur in people who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown. Full protection requires two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. Adults born in or after 1957—especially those vaccinated before 1989—may have received only one dose. If you are unsure of your vaccination history, consult your healthcare provider about getting vaccinated.

Hidden Dangers in Home Renovation: Silica Dust Exposure

Cutting or installing engineered stone, such as quartz countertops, can release fine silica dust. Inhaling this dust can lead to silicosis, a serious and incurable lung disease. California has reported hundreds of cases, including fatalities, with many affecting younger workers. If you work in construction or stone fabrication and experience respiratory symptoms, speak with your healthcare provider. Early screening, including imaging and lung function testing, is critical for detection.

Mental Health Matters: 988 Saves Lives

As we mark one year since the Woodacre motor vehicle accident, and in the wake of the recent accident in Novato in which another young life was lost, we hold in our hearts their families and loved ones. Motor vehicle crashes are the second leading cause of death for teens and young adults (ages 15–24) in Marin County, with risks rising during prom and graduation season. Keeping young people safe is a shared responsibility—parents, schools, and communities can encourage safe driving, set clear expectations, and reinforce that underage drinking is not acceptable. Resources like Impact Teen Drivers – California offer prevention tools and Marin Behavioral Health and Recovery Services provides support for those experiencing loss.

Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning Alert—Avoid Recreational Mussel Harvesting

Dangerous levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins have been detected in mussels from Marin, Sonoma, and San Mateo counties. These toxins are not destroyed by cooking and can cause severe neurological symptoms, including tingling, loss of coordination, and respiratory paralysis. Avoid eating recreationally harvested mussels from affected areas and check state advisories before collecting shellfish.

West Marin Prevention and Recovery Forum

Join us for a Prevention and Recovery Forum on May 7, 5–6:30 PM at West Marin Elementary School. This community event will focus on substance use and overdose prevention and recovery. Come learn, connect, and hear from local partners and community voices. Substance use affects many in Marin, and this is a chance to better understand and support one another. Open to all. Spanish translation and light refreshments will be provided.

Marin Respiratory Virus Surveillance

Marin County’s Respiratory Virus Dashboard combines local COVID-19, flu, and RSV information in one place.

Resource Link Library

Public Health

CDPH’s Respiratory Viruses Hub provides practical recommendations and information to help people lower risk from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV.

Find materials and information to help answer vaccine questions and concerns on Marin County Public Health’s Vaccine Resources page: https://www.marinhhs.org/vaccine-resources

Vaccine Locations | Vaccine Information | Free COVID-19 Testing

Access to Care

Get free, confidential help to explore your health coverage options and enroll through Covered California at: https://www.coveredca.com.

You can search for nearby Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) — community clinics that offer low-cost or free health care — at: https://aliadoshealth.org/health-centers/

Learn about health coverage options for low-income adults through the County Medical Services Program at https://cmspcounties.org/healthcare-within-reach/.

Nutrition Security

Access free groceries and home-delivered food through the SF-Marin Food Bank’s Food Locator and emergency programs, with help available by calling or texting (415) 824-3663 or emailing help@sfmfoodbank.org.

Community Support and Services

Information and Assistance: Call (415) 473-INFO (4636) or visit Marin County's Online Community Resource Guide

The Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) Access Line: Call (415) 473-6666.

Help is available. 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Public Benefits

BenefitsCal.com is a one-stop-shop to apply, renew, or manage health care coverage, food assistance, and cash aid.

You may qualify for California WIC if you live in California, are pregnant or caring for a child under 5, and meet income guidelines or receive Medi-Cal, CalWORKs, or CalFresh. Use the WIC eligibility assessment to check your eligibility.

Marin County Coordinated Entry System for Persons Experiencing Homelessness

Individuals: Call (415) 473-HOME (4663)

Families: Call Homeward Bound of Marin at (415) 457-2115

Stay Informed