San Rafael, CA – Heading into Memorial Day weekend, Marin County Public Health and Marin County Parks are conveying a message of responsible recreation at a time of year that’s typically a festive springtime celebration mixed with a tribute to fallen military veterans.
Marin residents are still subject to statewide and local shelter-in-place orders because of the COVID-19 pandemic, so public health officials are reminding everyone about the importance of staying close to home and continuing with physical distancing, face covering, hand washing and hand sanitizing, and cleanliness measures.
“Now that we’re loosening these restrictions, our concern is people may interpret these decisions as a sign that its totally safe and that the virus is gone,” said Dr. Matt Willis, Public Health Officer for Marin County. “However, we’re more at risk now. These loosened restrictions mean we’ll be interacting more while the virus is circulating. It’s never been more important take actions like physical distancing and covering your face to continue to stop the spread of COVID-19.”
The Marin County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) urges all to modify the traditional outdoor celebrations to increase adherence to public health ordinances. Stay close to home and stay safe by avoiding large gatherings.
Enjoying the nice weather with more active recreation (walking, running, biking, kayaking, and other activities) is encouraged for health and well-being as long as physical distancing is maintained. When visiting outdoor spaces, Marin County Parks outlines three key things to remember a:
- Be smart, stay prepared:Stay home if you or others in your household are sick.Only go to outdoor places that are open.Remember to bring face masks and hand sanitizer.
- Enjoy the outdoors responsibly: Stay 6-feet away from people you don’t live with and only sit in designated areas. Please park only in designated parking lots.If they are full, wait for a spot to open up.
- Be kind since we’re all in this together: Wearing a mask protects others.Please be courteous of others and wear a face mask whenever in close contact with people from outside your household.
Parking restrictions have loosened at some trailheads and recreational areas, but Marin County Parks and the Marin County Sheriff’s Office are enforcing social distancing rules on and near those areas. Many local parks within Marin cities and towns have also eased restrictions on motorized access, but potential park visitors are encouraged to verify park status before visiting.
Marin County Parks facilities reopened May 18 according to the public health order has posted a list of what’s open or closed. There is limited or no vehicle parking at large regional parks. All visitors to its parks and open space reserve trails should maintain six feet of social distancing and carry a face covering to put on when coming close to another person. OneTam.org also has a list of available outdoor recreation options across Marin County.
On Memorial Day, May 25, the annual tribute ceremony provided by Veterans Services Office and the Marin County United Veterans Council will be all virtual, with a brief ceremony live on Facebook starting at 8:30 a.m. and will be archived for later viewing.
Most County of Marin offices will be closed Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day. First responders will remain on duty for emergencies.