Marin Leader

City of San Rafael issued the following announcement on Nov. 13.

With a surge of Coronavirus cases in Marin, regionally, and nationally, Bay Area health officers are tightening local rules for higher-risk indoor activities where the virus can spread more easily.

Case rates in Marin County have nearly doubled in the past 10 days and continue to rise, prompting Public Health Officer Dr. Matt Willis to issue an order to tighten restrictions to limit further spread of the virus. Under the order, the following industries should reduce operations to match “red” Tier 2 allowances within the State of California’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy, effective Tuesday, November 17:

• Retail / malls – reduce capacity to 50%
• Office work spaces – work remotely
• Museums – reduce capacity to 25%
• Places of worship – reduce capacity to 25% or 100 people (whichever is fewer)
• Gyms and fitness centers – reduce capacity to 10%
• Wineries – operate outdoor only
• Family entertainment centers – operate outdoor only
• Cardrooms – operate outdoor only
• Indoor pools – close
• Bars and breweries (with no meal option) – close

In addition, the Marin County will be joining counties across the region to close all indoor dining operations, including:

• Indoor dining at restaurants
• Indoor movie theater concessions
• Indoor food courts

This move back into “red” tier restrictions shows that, despite our achievements in the past months in reducing cases, our progress can be erased if we not remain vigilant in preventing the spread of the disease. Remember to wear a mask, practice physical distancing, wash your hands, and avoid large public gatherings (especially indoors).

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Public Health Emphasizes Safe Holidays and Travel

Public health officers from the counties of Marin, Alameda, Contra Costa, Monterey, Napa, San Mateo, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sonoma, and the city of Berkeley have issued joint recommendations for staying safe during the holidays. The recommendations cover gatherings and travel, with recommended steps to reduce risk during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The joint recommendations for travel and gatherings advise that in-person gatherings be small, short, stable (no more than three households over an extended period), and outdoors. Also, nonessential travel, including holiday travel, is not recommended.

Please keep in mind that COVID-19 rates are higher in different parts of the country and the risk of transmission is greater as more people are travelling. Continue to take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and consider these recommendations as you make plans for the upcoming holiday season.

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San Rafael City Hall and City Offices Open By Appointment

With the move back into “red” Tier restrictions on indoor workplaces City facilities will remain open by appointment only. Police and Fire response remains fully operational, 24/7 and Police and Fire administration offices in the Public Safety Center are open for walk-in service.

All visitors are required to follow safety protocols including:

• Wearing a face mask/face covering
• Social Distancing
• Complete Self Screening Survey

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COVID-19 Testing Changes in Marin County

The testing landscape has changed in Marin County and more COVID-19 testing options are available through medical providers, self-referral sites and at-home testing options. Marin County Public Health, the California Department of Public Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend you be tested for COVID-19 if you meet one of the following criteria:

• You are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19, including fever, chills, cough, congestion, sore throat, difficulty breathing, headache, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, or new loss of taste or smell;
• You were notified by Marin Public Health as being high risk or a “close contact” to a person confirmed to have COVID-19;
• You work in a high-risk setting, such as a hospital or medical clinic, long-term care facility, homeless shelter or prison; OR
• You work in an occupation where you experience frequent contact with the public on a daily basis, including jobs as first responders, teachers, personal caregivers, housekeepers, construction workers, food service / restaurant workers, gas station and grocery store workers.

Some COVID-19 test providers prioritize testing for people who meet this criteria. If you do not meet this criteria but believe you need testing — or are seeking testing required for travel or medical-related procedures — please consult your insurance provider, medical provider or neighborhood medical clinic.

Original source can be found here.