San Rafael, CA – Ongoing progress in Marin County’s COVID-19 case rates is allowing for Marin County Public Health to reopen local hotels, motels, and short-term rentals to tourism-based businesses and clients. The guidelines for businesses are now online.
Lodging facilities in Marin had been closed to tourist visitors since May 29.The reopening affects all lodging facilities within the county boundaries renting accommodations for 30 days or less, including in West Marin along the Pacific coast. The facilities had been
closed to tourism since May 29; only first responders, essential workers, those quarantining or isolating due to COVID-19, residents evacuated due to fire, and homeless or displaced individuals were permitted to stay at the facilities.
In addition to hotels and motels, the short-term rentals allowed to reopen include inns, bed & breakfasts, timeshares, and properties marketed through online rental services such as Airbnb and VRBO.
Parties, events, or outside visitors (other than the renters, which must belong to a single household) will not be permitted indoors. Any gatherings outdoors must comply with the Social Bubbles guidance. Lodging with pools, tennis courts, restaurants, and other food services must follow additional Public Health guidelines found on MarinRecovers.com.
Based on its COVID-19 rates, Marin has been on the state’s coronavirus monitoring list since July 2, which sets limits on what the County can open and when. Because Marin’s 14-day case rate remained below 200 cases per 100,000 people, Marin is allowed to proceed with reopening short term lodging facilities.
Public Health staff is constantly monitoring public indicators of COVID-19 to inform business reopening phases. As the state 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.
“Thanks to our collective work, our progress in reducing spread of the virus in Marin is allowing us to take this step,” said Dr. Matt Willis, Marin County Public Health Officer. “We’ve now moved as far as we can into reopening given our status on the state’s monitoring list. With enough progress, we’ll fall off the list and can consider further reopening. That’s a clear goal for all of us and another reason to cover your face and practice physical distancing.”
Lodging facilities preparing to reopen must complete a Site-Specific Protection Plan (SPP) to define how it will reopen in a safe and clean manner for patrons and employees. An 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, including the current sheltering order and facial covering requirement. An overview of business sector reopenings is available on MarinRecovers.com.
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.