After being added to the State of California’s watchlist on Friday, July 3, Marin County’s COVID-19 numbers did not improve. Effective 11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 5, indoor dining will not be allowed for a minimum of three weeks in Marin because of the ongoing public health emergency. The mandatory closure comes only one week after restaurants were allowed to offer inside seating for the first time since March.
Outdoor seating and take-out service remain allowed at restaurants as long as public health precautions are taken. Those can be found on the Marin Recovers website. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is forming strike teams to help patrol restaurants and other businesses that refuse to comply with COVID-19 safety measures.
On July 2, Marin was added to the list of California counties that were being closely monitored for increased COVID-19 activity. Three consecutive days of statistical unimprovement meant the CDPH could shut down a segment of the economy or instigate a new virus containment strategy.
Marin County Public Health is urging renewed diligence by everyone on adhering to the shelter-in-place order first established March 17. Wearing facial coverings in public, washing hands often, adhering to social bubble guidelines, and practicing social distancing are among practices that will help curtail the coronavirus outbreak and lead to more openings in economic sectors. Learn more at coronavirus.marinhhs.org.