San Rafael, CA – Marin County is continuing its efforts to move deeper into Phase 2 of reopenings under the shelter-in-place order. Marin County Public Health provided the green light for outdoor faith-based and cultural ceremonies to proceed under prescribed public health guidelines, beginning June 5.
Under the public health order guidelines issued June 5, outdoor religious and cultural services will be permitted for groups of less than 100 people. The guidance includes expectations for physical distancing, face covering, signage and seating guidance, restroom access, and sanitation procedures, among other requirements.
“We’re continuing to slowly build back,” said Dr. Matt Willis, Marin’s Public Health Officer. “We can only do this safely if we all take the personal steps to protect ourselves and those around us. Covering your face and staying at least six feet apart, whenever possible, are simple and very effective steps.”
Other activities and businesses allowed as of June 5 include charter boat operators, limited use of outdoor swimming pools and dog parks. In addition, guidelines for outdoor recreational businesses were expanded to include a wider definition of outdoor businesses and allow indoor recreational businesses to move outdoors with cooperation of local jurisdictions. Guidance for peaceful public protests was also released.
Businesses and organizations preparing to reopen must complete a Site-Specific Protection Plan (SPP) to define how a business will reopen in a safe and clean manner for patrons and employees. A SPP plan template is available on MarinRecovers.com to guide businesses through the planning process. The template combines state-level guidance published in the California State Resilience Roadmap and local Marin County public health policies.
Since May 4, Public Health has released updated public health orders after careful consideration of local COVID-19 indicators, leading to a gradual return to normalcy. An overview of business sector reopenings is available on MarinRecovers.com. Most recently, revised orders allowed for the reopening of outdoor retail, office space, outdoor dining, curbside library services, child care facilities, and summer/sports camps were issued as of June 1. Temporary restrictions on motorized access to parks and beaches in Marin were lifted May 29. These businesses and activities are allowed to proceed under the current shelter-in-place order through amendments to the allowable business and allowable activity appendices.
The Marin Public Health staff is constantly monitoring public indicators of COVID-19 to inform future business reopening phases. As the State of California allows for higher-risk activities, Public Health works with industry leaders to develop reopening guidelines that consider the latest COVID-19 activity and special considerations for Marin’s more vulnerable populations.
More Information About Businesses Reopening:
The Marin County Department of Health and Human Services’ coronavirus website remains the authority for local COVID-19 case data and medical information.