COVID transmission remains elevated in our community. July has seen the highest COVID hospitalization and mortality rates in the past year in Marin County. On July 30, Marin Public Health issued an advisory, reminding residents over age 65 and those with chronic medical conditions to wear a well fitted mask which effectively prevents infection, to remain up to date with vaccines, and to seek treatment if they are diagnosed with COVID-19. These simple measures help limit serious illness when virus activity is high. Marin Public Health will continue to provide weekly updates to help residents navigate choices. Last year’s summer surge resolved by September.
Safe Swimming in Marin Waters
Swimming in water that contains high levels of bacteria is unsafe. To protect residents during the summer, Marin County Environmental Health Services samples water from 27 local ocean, bay and freshwater sites weekly to determine if water quality standards are met. Residents are able to view water quality results on an interactive map updated weekly at the Marin County Beach Monitoring site. On most weeks, one or more recreational water locations are found to exceed safe bacteria levels, and signs are posted to avoid entering the water at those sites. The most common swimming areas with elevated summertime bacteria levels are the Ink Wells in Lagunitas and Chicken Beach in Inverness.
Let’s Talk Marin
As we prepare for return to school, families with teens can look forward to a valuable resource. For the past five years, the annually updated “Let’s Talk toolkit” has provided guidance in navigating tough conversation about mental health and substance use and offered links to important local resources. Let’s Talk Marin is a joint initiative between Marin County schools, local government, and community-based organizations dedicated to the wellbeing of our youth. This year, Let’s Talk will feature Community Discussions for a deeper dive with experts into priority areas and local concerns. Upcoming topics include The Adolescent Brain; Mental Health and Underage Substance Use; and Let’s Start Talking: The Middle School Years. Register to attend the Community Discussion Series.
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