Community Response Team Newsletter Public Health & Emergency Preparedness Updates
April 06, 2022
Dear Community,
Happy National Public Health Week! The American Public Health Association features a different public health topic each day this week. Check it out here.
We continue to be in this extended tail end of the Omicron surge. Although much lower than they were a few months ago, cases continue to remain at substantial levels circulating in our communities. This is due to the prevalence of the BA2 variant, which accounts for the majority of new cases. Knowing there are still pretty high levels of virus in our region, it becomes necessary to assess one's level of risk to ourselves and loved ones as we navigate a reality where COVID is still very prevalent.
We've said it before, and we will say it again. Staying up to date on your vaccines remains the best form of defense against this virus. We have many vaccine pop-up events happening in West Marin this month. Also, if you are 50 years or older or are moderately to severely immunocompromised, you can now receive a second booster. Learn what Dr. Matt Willis has to say on this topic here.
Lastly, if you want to learn how to care for others in a disaster, you can become Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) certified with hands-on training. The training happens on 4 Tuesdays starting April 26. Register here.
Take care and stay safe,
West Marin Community Response Team
Dr. Matt Willis Talks About Boosters
Additional Booster Available for 50 & Older and Immunocompromised Groups
Today, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup (WSSSRW) approved a second booster dose of the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for specific groups. The additional booster shot is for people who received their first booster more than four months ago and are:
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
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!
Pop-Up: San Geronimo
Thursday, April 7 and 21
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, April 14 and 28
2 PM - 5 PM
West Marin Community Services
11431 CA-1
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.
Pop-Up: Bolinas
Thursday, April 14
11 AM - 1 PM
Bolinas Community Center
14 Wharf Road
Bolinas, CA 94924
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 - 12:00 PM
The San Geronimo Commons (formerly the golf course)
At the Drive-Thru Food Pantry
5800 Sir Frances 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.
Should I Get a COVID Test?
Download the testing tree infographic in English and Spanish.
Expiration Extension for iHealth Test Kits
On March 29, 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a three-month shelf-life extension for the over-the-counter iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test. This extension applies to all tests with expiration dates on or before September 29, 2022. Originally this test’s shelf-life was six months, so it is now extended to 9 months. If you have purchased a test kit from this manufacturer and want to check its updated expiration date, you can visit the iHealth website and enter the item’s lot number.
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.
Food Bank Services
For home-delivered groceries, please visit the SF-Marin Food Bank website to see if you qualify.
For a list of free food pantries in Marin County visit the HHS Resource Guide.
The U.S. government provides three free adult-size N95 masks to the public for anyone who needs them. Since February, this promotion has been in effect, and you can find masks at local pharmacies such as CVS or Walgreens. Grocery stores like Walmart and Sam’s Club are also offering them inside their pharmacies. The N95 mask offers more protection than any other face covering, so upgrade yours today while the promotion lasts.
Become CERT Certified
CERT stands for Community Emergency Response Team. In a major disaster, our first responders will be overwhelmed so it's critical citizens be prepared to take care of themselves, their neighbors, and their community for 5-7 days. The CERT training teaches you how to help after a disaster.
Upcoming Trainings This Month
Point Reyes: April 16 (hybrid in-person and online)
San Rafael: April 26 (and the following 3 Tuesdays)
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