The watch list placement means that indoor dining in Marin will be halted for at least three weeks, beginning at 11:59pm Sunday, July 5. All of the other indoor activities that must be halted – wineries, movie theaters, family entertainment centers, zoos, museums and cardrooms – either had not been approved in Marin or don’t exist in the county. All other local industry sectors that had already been approved are not impacted by this regulation.]
Governor Gavin Newson announced Friday that Marin County has been added to the list of California counties that are being closely monitored for increased COVID-19 activity. The data-driven designation was based on Marin’s positive case rate per 100,000 people, as well as its percentage change of the three-day average of hospitalizations for coronavirus patients.
The watch list placement means that Indoor dining In Marin will be halted for at least three weeks. All of the other indoor activities that must be halted – wineries, movie theaters, family entertainment centers, zoos, museums and cardrooms – either had not been approved in Marin or don’t exist in the county.
“Now is the time for us to buckle down and be vigilant about adhering to key aspects of the shelter-in-place order,” Dr. Lisa Santora, Marin County Deputy Public Health Officer, said in a statement. “Wearing facial coverings, adhering to social bubble guidelines, and practicing social distancing are among those aspects. We’ve made gradual steps forward, and without our continued vigilance we will be forced to shut down portions of our economy again.”
State officials said this week that they were forming strike teams to help patrol businesses that refuse to comply with COVID-19 safety measures.
“That’s why we need everyone’s help,” Santora said. “The best defense we have in preventing these closures and slowing the spread of COVID-19 in our community is to promote personal protective measures. Thank you for your help in keeping our community safe and our economy open for business.”
Marin County Public Health is emphasizing the following measures:
Face coverings are mandatory: Whether as an employee or a customer, face coverings are required to be worn at both indoor and outdoor businesses. Face coverings can be as simple as a bandana but MUST cover both the nose and mouth.
- “Face Coverings Required” Printable Sign
- Face Coverings In Marin webpage
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Fact Sheet / Poster (in English and Spanish)
Physical distancing in businesses is mandatory: Just sitting six feet apart from someone with COVID-19 for 15 minutes is considered a close enough contact to warrant self-quarantine and testing. It’s crucial that business patrons and employees continue to practice physical distancing as much as possible.
Continue to follow public health guidelines: Old habits are hard to break, but it’s crucial that every business is implementing public health guidelines for the safety of the entire community. Be sure to notify Marin County Public Health immediately of any confirmed or suspected COVID-19 case in your workplace.
Newsom also said that all parking will be closed at state beaches in the Bay Area and Southern California for the Fourth of July weekend, and that state parks will remain open with “measures in place to reduce visitation and limit overcrowding.”
He urged families to avoid Fourth of July family gatherings beyond those in your household, and pushed back on those choosing not to wear a mask in public.
“(Wearing a mask) is not a sign of weakness,” he said. “It is a sign of resolve and a sign of someone who gives a damn and takes responsibility to meet the moment and have the character and conviction to send a powerful message that you are committed to the health of your community.”