Community Response Team Newsletter Public Health & Emergency Preparedness Updates
February 23, 2022
Dear Community,
We are grateful that COVID cases continue to decline in our county and country as we work our way out of the Omicron surge. However, it is crucial to understand that COVID-19 will not be going away as we slowly work our way back to a semblance of normalcy. We can do much in preparation for future surges and variants, even as COVID restrictions and policies start to ease. The most important is keeping up to date on your vaccines.
Vaccines remain our most important tool in combating COVID, and they remain effective against all known variants. Yes, you can still get infected while vaccinated, but they remain highly effective in preventing hospitalizations and death. In making sure you are up to date on your vaccines and boosters, check out this Vaccine Timeline Graphic. To help inform friends and families on vaccine information, the Ambassador Program is an excellent resource with informational videos.
California has recently shifted its COVID 19 response and strategy to a plan called CA SMARTER. Also, as you may be aware, there has been an easing of restrictions on mask-wearing, and there are still many settings where it is required, so make sure you check the current mask policies here.
Marin County is hiring more nurses for their COVID response in preparation for future surges and variants. Learn more here. Testing has become more widely available, but it is important to know when to test. There is a great graphic to help guide that decision with this testing tree infographic in English and Spanish. We encourage you to take still the reasonable precautions we know work in preventing COVID-19, such as masking indoors and vaccines, as we continue to work our way out of the Omicron surge.
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.
While more than 87% of Marin County's population is fully vaccinated (14 days past their primary vaccination series), only 68% of eligible residents have received booster shots. Bolstering our immunity against COVID-19 is of utmost importance, especially with the continued presence of the Omicron variant in our community. 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! We are grateful to everyone in our community who has done their part by getting fully vaccinated and boosted when eligible.
Pop-Up: Bolinas Community Center
Wednesday, February 23, 11 AM - 2 PM
14 Wharf Road
Bolinas, CA 94924
Ages 5 to 11, Pfizer
Ages 12 or older, J&J, Moderna, Pfizer
Appointment Recommended; Limited Walk-Ins Available Schedule An Appointment
Additional vaccine options in your community include:
Walk-ups are now available at most vaccine providers across the county. Visit Marin County's Vaccine Finder page to find out which clinics have open appointments and schedule yours. A parent or guardian must accompany vaccine recipients between the ages of 5 to 17 to receive a vaccine.
More options for COVID-19 vaccine clinics are available by visiting the California Department of Public Health's MyTurn COVID and flu vaccination scheduling website.
Kaiser Permanente - All Marin locations
Open to both Kaiser and Non-Kaiser members. Non-Members call 1-833-574-2273 to request a temporary member ID to book an appointment.
J&J, Moderna, Pfizer
Appointment Required Schedule an appointment here.
Due to the high demand for COVID testing and to better serve our communities by offering a greater weekly outreach for this service, we will be switching to COVID-19 take-home test distribution only. If you have tested positive, whether by Rapid 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.
Point Reyes Station
Mondays and Wednesdays
11 AM - 12 PM
West Marin Community Services
11431 Highway 1
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
San Geronimo Valley Tuesdays, 2 - 3 PM
Thursdays, 11 AM - 12 PM*
The San Geronimo Commons (formerly the golf course)
5800 Sir Frances Drake Blvd
San Geronimo, CA 94963 *Starting in March San Geronimo Valley will only be testing on Thursdays. Learn More >
CDPH Approved and Registered COVID-19 Testing Administrators
If you need masks, West Marin Community Services and San Geronimo Valley Community Center are distributing them to local community-based organizations and individuals. Masks are available during testing hours at both locations.
Free Self Tests from the Federal Government
Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests are completely free, and orders will usually ship in 7-12 days.
Download the testing tree infographic in English and Spanish.
Slow the Spread
COVID-19 can easily spread between people who are in close contact with one another. To help slow COVID’s spread, protect vulnerable individuals, and prevent the healthcare system in the County of Marin from being overwhelmed, it is necessary for people who have been infected to isolate, and people who have been exposed to a person who has an active COVID infection will need to quarantine.
Everyone who tests positive, regardless of vaccination status, must isolate for a minimum of 5 days. Those with symptoms may need to isolate longer. Follow these steps to protect yourself and your loved ones:
Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to COVID, to see if they become infected. Someone may have been exposed to COVID-19 but does not know it, or they may have the disease but do not show symptoms.
If you have been in close contact (within 6 feet of someone for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period) with someone who has COVID-19, you may need to quarantine depending on your vaccination status.
If you were tested at a healthcare facility or other testing site, you do not need to report your result to the County: your doctor or clinic will inform Marin County Public Health of your test result.
Disaster Preparedness Information from the Point Reyes Disaster Council
Find information and resources to help residents and visitors prepare for disasters.
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.
