As of yesterday, Marin County has officially been assigned to Tier 3 (orange status) or “moderate” risk level as part of the Blueprint for a Safer Economy. The State approved this move due to fewer daily cases, a reduction in the proportion of positive tests among those who are tested, and progress in addressing the County’s lowest-income communities. The County must spend at least 21 days in Tier 3 and meet additional requirements before advancing to the next, less restrictive one. In addition to the move into Tier 3, Marin Public Health has issued a new risk reduction order, which replaces the shelter-in-place order of May 15.
The primary changes allowed under the state order as Marin moves into Tier 3:
- Allowed indoors at full capacity: retail establishments; indoor malls; libraries; office space (although continued telework is encouraged)
- Allowed indoors at 50% capacity or 200 people (whichever is fewer): restaurants; museums; places of worship; movie theaters
- Allowed indoors at 25% capacity or 100 people (whichever is fewer): gyms and fitness centers (and can utilize indoor pools); family entertainment centers; wineries; card rooms
- Allowed outdoors only: bars and breweries
As Marin experienced earlier this year, if COVID conditions worsen the County will move back into a more restrictive tier, so please continue to be safe—frequently wash your hands, practice physical distancing, and always wear your face mask.
Have a great Halloween weekend!
Halloween and Dia de los Muertos celebrations are going to be a little different this year but there are a number of ways to be celebrate safely. Plan a virtual costume party, tour your neighborhood in search of the best decorated home, visit Marin Center’s Spooktacular Halloween Food Drive-Thru event, or just stay at home and enjoy a good movie.
If you decide to head out to celebrate the evening, have a plan:
- Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely
- If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact the San Rafael Police Department by dialing 9-1-1.
- With this year’s Halloween occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic, Marin County Public Health is discouraging parties, gatherings of 12 or more, and trick-or-treating.
- Minimize mixing with people outside your family and social bubble and remember that outside gatherings are safer.
- Marin County Public Health also states that alcohol and drug use increase vulnerability to COVID-19 infection because it impairs judgment to properly uphold personal protection measures.
- Regardless of how you choose to celebrate, wear a face covering, practice physical distancing, wash and sanitize your hands regularly, and stay home if you are sick or you are in a high-risk group.
Whatever you decide to do, have fun and keep it safe.
Where’s your flashlight?
On Sunday, October 25, PG&E implemented a Power Shutoff for a large portion of Northern California. San Rafael and other portions of Marin were spared a loss of power, but the event served as a reminder that we all need to be prepared for potential power loss.
Spend time getting your household prepared for the next potential PG&E power shut off in your neighborhood.
- Create a safety plan for all members of your family, including pets
- Prepare an emergency supply kit
- Stock supplies for a week – include flashlights, first aid supplies, food, water and cash
- Fully charge your mobile phone
- Make sure any backup power sources are ready to safely operate
- Have flashlights available for your household
- Avoid using candles, if you can
- Have a battery-powered or crank radio
- Stock up on the right batteries for items you rely on
- Keep cash on hand and a full tank of gas. ATMs and gas stations may not be available during an outage
- Practice opening and closing your garage door manually
- Talk with your building manager
- If you live or work in a building that has elevators or electronic key card access, make sure you understand how your building will deal with potential multiple-day outages
Don’t miss any notifications from PG&E, make sure your PG&E contact information is up to date! Update your contact information online or call 1-866-743-6589. Find more preparedness resources from PG&E.
Reminders
- Testing opportunities have been expanded—needed to get a COVID test? Call you medical provider or find a testing site near you.
- San Rafael Business Forum, hosted by Marin’s Public Health Commerce Outreach Committee and the Director of Marin Recovers, will provide an update on the latest data on COVID-19 in Marin County. It starts today at 4:00 p.m.!
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86753205621
Call in: 1-669-900-9128
Meeting ID: 867 5320 5621