Marin County Public Health Status Update for September 6, 2024, includes COVID Summer Surge Resolving; Governor Acts to Protect Youth; H5N1 Spreads in California; Novavax Vaccine Approved; Protecting Resources as We Age; and COVID-19 Data Update.
The Marin County Public Health Status Update is published weekly to share news and resources related to pandemic response and recovery, emergency preparedness, and other public health priorities.
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COVID Summer Surge Resolving
The latest Marin County data reveals a steady decline in local COVID-19 transmission and hospitalizations since mid August. Virus levels in wastewater and the number of individuals hospitalized are their lowest in two months, signaling the summer surge is resolving. Last year, the expected winter seasonal increase in COVID-19 started in mid November. Eligible residents who obtain the new 2024 vaccine in October will be optimally protected through the winter into spring.
Governor Acts to Protect Youth
On August 13th, the Marin County Board of Supervisors received a report from Public Health Officer, Dr. Matt Willis, outlining concerns about increasing youth access to high THC hemp products being sold in local retail settings. THC is the psychoactive substance found in cannabis. Today, Governor Newsom issued emergency regulations to ban THC-containing hemp products in California until a regulatory framework can be established. Read the release here. This is an important step in protecting our youth and ensuring that they are accessed only by adults, in safe and informed ways.
H5N1 Spreads in California
This week, the California Department of Public Health announced the detection of H5N1 (bird flu) in California livestock. This is the first detection of the virus in cows in the state since the onset of the H5N1 outbreak. No human cases have been reported in California. Raw milk remains a particular concern for public exposure. Weekly tests of local raw milk supplies have not yet detected H5N1 virus.
Novavax Vaccine Approved
This week, the new 2024 Novavax COVID-19 vaccine received the green light from the Food and Drug Administration. Unlike the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines approved last week, Novavax is a traditional protein-based vaccine. The Novavax formulation targets the JN.1 variant, whereas Pfizer and Moderna target KPP strains. While JN.1 is less active in our community, vaccine studies show efficacy of Novavax against the other more active strains. Novavax, like the other COVID vaccines, is available in pharmacies and through health care providers.
Protecting Resources as We Age
Effective financial planning is crucial for successful aging as it ensures individuals have the resources needed to maintain their quality of life and manage health care costs. The Marin Commission on Aging's upcoming business meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 9, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. This session will focus on the challenges faced by older adults who fall into the “Missing Middle” category—those who are not eligible for public assistance but are financially struggling as they age. The meeting will take place at the Marin Wildfire Protection Authority Board Room, located at 1600 Los Gamos Drive, Room 345, San Rafael.
COVID-19 Data Update
Below is a snapshot of local COVID-19 data. Find a more in-depth analysis of COVID-19 trends on the Marin Data & Surveillance webpage, our Data FAQ, or Marin County's Open Data Portal.
| Actively Circulating Variants | KP.2, KP.3 |
|---|
| Marin County COVID-19 Hospitalizations | Today’s Report |
|---|---|
|
Hospitalized Patients |
6 |
|
ICU Patients |
0 |
| Settings Experiencing Outbreaks | Today’s Report |
|---|---|
|
Long-Term Care and Congregate Living Facilities |
3 |
|
Schools and Childcare |
0 |
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