Community Response Team Newsletter Public Health & Emergency Preparedness Updates
May 18, 2022
Dear Community,
We are now becoming all too familiar with the ebb and flow of COVID surges triggered by an evolving virus and its variants. We are in the midst of another surge driven by the Omicron BA.2 variant. Cases rates have quadrupled since the beginning of the month in Marin County. Although the surge may seem discouraging, we have the tools, resources, and a strong foundation to really minimize the impact. Even though immunity through vaccinations, boosters, and prior infections will not necessarily prevent future infections, it may reduce hospitalizations. Be sure to see the latest West Marin vaccination dates, testing information, resources for masks, and more below.
Marin Health and Human Services need your help! They are hosting several virtual Focus Group Discussions to give parents of children 12 years and younger an opportunity to voice their thoughts on pediatric COVID vaccines. Parents' feedback can make a difference and help us as a community, best protect our children. If you would like to participate, please fill out the interest form in English or Spanish. Participants in the actual focus groups will receive a $50 gift certificate to Target. The deadline for interest in the focus groups is Friday, May 20.
On another topic, we have a blood drive happening in San Geronimo Valley, Thursday, May 19th from 12-4:30 pm. Please consider donating at a time when blood is in short supply locally and nationally. If you can give, please do! Sign up to donate here.
It is also Mental Health Awareness Month and many events are happening in Marin County that focus on this topic. Taking care of your and your loved ones' mental health is as important as your physical health.
Take care and stay safe,
West Marin Community Response Team
Stay Up to Date on Public Health Information:
For the latest information from the County for testing locations, vaccines, and public health updates, we highly recommend you subscribe for daily updates at https://coronavirus.marinhhs.org/subscribe
May 13, 2022 Update
Public Health Officer, Dr. Matt Willis Dr. Matt Willis, on indoor masking recommendations as COVID case levels rise.
Vaccination Appointments
Bolstering our immunity against COVID-19 is of utmost importance, especially with the continued presence of the Omicron variant in our community and the more highly contagious BA2 circulating. Fortunately, we have access to vaccines which are a FREE and effective resource for keeping us protected. If you know someone who is still in need of a vaccine or booster shot, please share the list below with them!
ALL LOCATIONS OFFER 2ND BOOSTERS FOR 50+
Pop-Up: San Geronimo
Thursday, May 19
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
San Geronimo Commons
5800 Sir Francis Drake Blvd
San Geronimo, CA 94963
Ages 5 to 11, Pfizer
Ages 12 or older, J&J, Moderna, Pfizer
Appointment Recommended; Walk-Ins Available Schedule An Appointment
Download and share the flyers in English and Spanish here.
Pop-Up: Point Reyes Station
Thursday, May 26
2 PM - 5 PM
West Marin Community Services
11431 Highway One
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956 (Vaccines on Mesa Rd. side of the building, next to the food pantry)
Ages 5 to 11, Pfizer
Ages 12 or older, J&J, Moderna, Pfizer
Appointment Recommended; Walk-Ins Available Schedule An Appointment
Download and share the flyers in English and Spanish here.
Additional vaccine options in your community include:
Free Take-Home COVID Rapid Testing
West Marin Locations
If you have tested positive, whether by rapid take-home test or PCR, please do not come to testing distribution for a take-home test until day 5 - 10 from your initial positive test result. Please do not test until days 3 - 5 from exposure if exposed.
Bolinas
Thursdays, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, and Upon Request
Bolinas Community Center
14 Wharf Street
Bolinas, CA 94924
Point Reyes Station
Mondays and Wednesdays
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
West Marin Community Services
11431 Highway 1
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
San Geronimo Valley
Thursdays, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
The San Geronimo Commons (formerly the golf course)
At the Drive-Thru Food Pantry
5800 Sir Francis Drake Blvd
San Geronimo, CA 94963 Learn More >
Tomales
Thursdays, 2:00 - 3:00 PM
Tomales Town Hall (Food Pantry)
27150 Highway 1
Tomales, CA 94971
West Marin Community Services and San Geronimo Valley Community Center distribute masks to local community-based organizations and individuals. Masks are available during testing hours at both locations. Make sure you have enough masks in preparation for fire season.
Should I Get a COVID Test?
Download the testing tree infographic in English and Spanish.
What is CDC’s COVID-19 Community Level?
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently revised the main method for evaluating the COVID-19 burden at the county level. “Community Level”considers both case rates and the burden of hospitalizations, as a combined metric, and ranks counties as Low (green), Medium(yellow), or High (red). Marin County shifted from the Low to Mediumlevel two weeks ago.
West Marin Blood Drive
Due to the pandemic, we are in one of the worst national blood shortages in more than a decade. One way we can make a difference in the lives of others is by donating blood. Please consider making an appointment to donate blood at our upcoming blood drive.
San Geronimo Commons
Thursday, May 19
12:00 PM - 4:30 PM
The San Geronimo Commons (formerly the golf course)
5800 Sir Francis Drake Blvd
San Geronimo, CA 94963
For more information click here. To make an appointment to donate click here.
Keep Your Medi-Cal
The Public Health Emergency declaration will end soon and millions of Medi-Cal beneficiaries may lose their coverage. Continuous coverage requirement expires at the end of the Public Health Emergency. California will need to conduct a full redetermination for all beneficiaries who would have otherwise been subject to redetermination.
Make sure you contact your local county office to report any changes to your contact information.
This will ensure redetermination paperwork will be sent to you to keep your Medi-Cal coverage.
There are many events, activities and resources to raise awareness in Marin County. View the calendar here.
A Closer Look at Alerts and Warning Systems
During wildfires or other emergencies, Marin residents should be prepared to monitor multiple sources for fire and life safety information. Emergency managers will use several methods to distribute fire and disaster information: Alert Marin, Nixle, Social Media, local TV and radio, and social media (Facebook and Twitter) are the primary outlets.
Alert Marin
During a disaster, “Alert Marin” provides notice by phone, text, email, or app when you must take an ACTION at a SPECIFIC ADDRESS. Alert Marin is NOT a general public information source.
Nixle
During a disaster, “Nixle” is used to provide INFORMATION by text message targeting ENTIRE ZIP CODES when new INFORMATION becomes available.
Register for Nixle by texting your Zip Code to 888777, or register online to configure and fine-tune your messaging options.
Please forward this message to contacts who would like to subscribe to our email newsletter. Help us keep West Marin informed about COVID-19 and emergency readiness.
