Public Health Status Update for 09/20/2024

Marin County Public Health Status Update for Sept. 20, 2024, includes Marin COVID level “Low;” Bird Flu Spreading in California; Bolinas Mesa Effluent; Disaster Preparedness Month; 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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Marin COVID Level “Low”

For the first time since May 2024, this week, the Marin County COVID Level has dropped to “Low.” This is based on wastewater concentrations and hospitalization rates. Intervals of lower transmission fall between anticipated winter and summer surges. This provides an opportunity to secure protection from the vaccine, to be better equipped when transmission rates rise later this fall. The currently available vaccines are well matched for circulating strains. Marin Public Health and Safeway are joining forces to provide vaccines in the Canal area of San Rafael. Pharmacies and healthcare providers are also providing vaccine. Find a location here.

Bird Flu Spreading in California

This week, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced that two more cow herds in the Central Valley were infected with H5N1, or bird flu. Seventeen herds have now been impacted state-wide. This raises concerns about human exposure and infection, both for farm workers and consumers of unpasteurized milk. While no bird flu virus has been detected in raw milk sold in Marin, virus spread among cows raises the likelihood that locally acquired raw milk could contain live virus.

Bolinas Mesa Effluent

Many rural areas of Marin, including Bolinas, rely on household septic tanks rather than centralized sewage systems. As reported in the Marin Independent Journal, portions of Bolinas beach remain closed due to sewage leaking from the Bolinas Mesa. Testing revealed high levels of bacteria, including E. coli, which can cause human and animal illness, including gastrointestinal and skin infections. Public Health is teaming up with the Marin County Community Development Agency (CDA) and the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to create a community-focused assessment and response plan. Local residents' experience and expertise will contribute to solutions that honor the legacy of this unique community. Beach closures should be honored to prevent illness.

Disaster Preparedness Month

National Preparedness Month reminds us of the importance of being ready for emergencies, especially in light of several active wildfires throughout the state. These incidents highlight the need for family and neighborhood preparedness. Ready Marin provides essential tools and information to help residents prepare for disasters, including evacuation plans and safety tips. Watch, share and take the simple steps recommended in Ready Marin’s latest video: sign up for Alert Marin, drill your emergency communication plan with your family; and prepare a go bag and stay box. And, if you have extra time, create a buffer around your home (Zone 0) and remove all the vegetation, including combustible mulch, within 5 feet of your home.

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.3, LB.1

Marin County COVID-19 Hospitalizations	Today’s Report
Hospitalized Patients	8
ICU Patients	1

Settings Experiencing Outbreaks	Today’s Report
Long-Term Care and Congregate Living Facilities	4
Schools and Childcare	0

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Public Health Status Update for 10/04/2024