Marin County Public Health Status Update for Friday, May 16, 2025, COVID Uptick – Summer Wave; Federal Medicaid Proposal Could Turn Back Time; Proposed Medi-Cal Cuts Will Strain Local Health Care; Spring Rains Bring Bugs; and Marin Respiratory Virus Surveillance.
The Marin County Public Health Status Update is released on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month to provide news and resources concerning public health priorities.
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COVID Uptick – Summer Wave
If you haven’t had a COVID shot in over a year, now is the time to get one. COVID cases are starting to rise again, and a new wave could hit as people travel and gather more during the summer. Vaccines help protect you from getting really sick or ending up in the hospital. Even if you’ve had COVID before, your protection fades over time. If you're 65 or older, the CDC now recommends a second shot this spring to stay fully protected. A quick, safe shot can help you and your loved ones stay healthy this summer and avoid disruptions to vacations, camps, and other fun plans.
Federal Medicaid Proposal Could Turn Back Time
New federal proposals could roll back the progress California has made through Medi-Cal. The state may lose funding for providing care to undocumented immigrants, and stricter rules could limit innovative programs—like connecting formerly incarcerated individuals to health and social services. The budget also proposes cutting retroactive coverage from three months to one and requiring eligibility checks every six months. These changes increase the risk of medical bankruptcy, especially after emergency hospital visits and long hospital stays. Immigrants could lose coverage if their status isn’t verified fast enough, pushing more people to delay care until it’s urgent. Like the pre-ACA days, we could see crowded ERs and reduced access to care.
Proposed Medi-Cal Cuts Will Strain Local Health Care
The Governor’s proposed Medi-Cal cuts—freezing enrollment for undocumented adults and adding premiums—won’t just affect undocumented immigrants without legal status. Many undocumented immigrants in Marin are legally present under specific protections or programs. Some documented immigrants, especially in low-income, older adults, and mixed-status families, will also be impacted. Losing coverage means people delay care until emergencies arise, leading to preventable illness, overcrowded hospitals, and rising costs. Many affected are essential workers, including caregivers, food services, agricultural, and construction workers. These short-term savings will bring long-term financial and public health costs. Local clinics and hospitals will bear the burden, straining already limited resources. Protecting access to Medi-Cal keeps our communities healthier and our health systems stronger. Organizations like Health Access California and California Primary Care Association (CPCA) are informing lawmakers about the value and cost-effectiveness of healthcare for all as they negotiate the revised state budget ahead of the June 15 deadline.
Spring Rains Bring Bugs
As we enter mid-spring and prepare for summer heat, now is the time to review your landscaping and any areas of standing water. With climate change, temperatures are rising early and last longer, giving more time for breeding of mosquitoes. The Marin-Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District's website provides useful tools for abatement. Avoiding the outdoors at high mosquito activity times (dawn and dusk) reduces your risk of being bitten and contracting a mosquito-borne illness. While Marin has not had any recent cases of West Nile virus, some of our neighboring counties have reported activity.
Marin Respiratory Virus Surveillance
Find in-depth analysis of viral activity at Marin COVID-19 Surveillance and Marin Influenza and RSV Surveillance webpages. Marin County Public Health has aligned local reporting with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) respiratory illnesses data monitoring and CDPH Weekly Respiratory Report.
Respiratory Virus Surveillance Site Trends and Levels
|
Virus Type |
COVID |
Influenza |
RSV |
|||
|
Levels and Trends |
Levels |
Trends |
Levels |
Trends |
Levels |
Trends |
|
All Sites Combined |
Low |
Plateau |
Minimal |
Decreasing |
Minimal |
Decreasing |
|
Central Marin/San Rafael* |
Minimal |
Decreasing |
Minimal |
Decreasing |
Minimal |
Decreasing |
|
Marin (Las Gallinas) |
Minimal |
Increasing |
Minimal |
Increasing |
Low |
Decreasing |
|
Marin (Novato) |
Moderate |
Plateau |
Minimal |
Decreasing |
Minimal |
Decreasing |
|
Marin (Sausalito-Marin City) |
Minimal |
Plateau |
Minimal |
Increasing |
Minimal |
Decreasing |
*The Central Marin/San Rafael service area includes the cities of San Rafael, Corte Madera, Larkspur, Ross Valley, and Fairfax.
Resource Link Library
Public Health
CDC’s Respiratory Virus Guidance provides practical recommendations and information to help people lower risk from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses.
Vaccine Locations | Vaccine Information | Free COVID-19 Testing
Sign up for AlertMarin, the county’s emergency notification system.
Community Supports and Services
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Information and Assistance: Call (415) 473-INFO (4636) or visit Marin County's Online Community Resource Guide
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The Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) Access Line: Call (415) 473-6666.
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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.
Marin County Coordinated Entry System for Persons Experiencing Homelessness
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Individuals: Call (415) 473-HOME (4663)
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Families: Call Homeward Bound of Marin at (415) 457-2115
Stay Informed
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