Marinscope
As of Sept. 1, Marin’s population centers — San Rafael and Novato — lead the county in the number of reported COVID-19 cases since the pandemic started. A total of 5,381people in San Rafael and 3,400 people in Novato have contracted the illness.
The third highest concentration of the virus in Marin comes from San Quentin prison where 2,243 people behind those walls have come down with the disease.
In other communities in Marin, the numbers fall like thus:
Belvedere, 68; Black Point-Green Point, 41; Bolinas-Muir Beach-Sinson Beach, 44; Corte Madera, 417; Dillon Beach-Inverness-Point Reyes-Tomales, 91; Fairfax, 234; Kentfield, 255; Larkspur, 502; Lucas Valley-Marinwood, 226; Marin City, 188; Mill Valley, 374; Nicasio-Lagunitas-Forest Knowls, 55; Novato, 3,400; Ross, 90; San Anselmo, 444; San Germano-Woodacre, 57; San Quentin, 2,243; San Rafael, 5,381; Santa Venetia, 308; Sausalito, 225; Sleepy Hollow, 63; Strawberry-Alto, 158; Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, 200; Tiburon, 279.
In other pandemic news, Marin County Public Health recently partnered with Safeway to offer booster clinics dedicated to older adults, age 75 and older, who received the Pfizer vaccine series at least 6 months ago. The clinic is intended to ensure booster dose access based on what it says is “evidence of waning immunity and higher risk of mortality in this age group.”
The enhanced booster dose clinic began Wednesday, Sept. 29, at the Northgate Shopping Center.
Dr. Matt Willis told the Board of Supervisors that the CDC has identified groups it recommends should receive booster shots now.
“Those groups that are recommended to receive a booster dose are people 65 or older, people who are residents of long-term care facilities and people who have underlying medical conditions who are aged 50 to 64,” Willis said. “Groups who are recommended to receive the booster dose are a higher priority for us because they are at risk of more serious outcomes if infected.”
The other group that is eligible for booster shots consists of people between the ages of 18 and 49 with underlying medical conditions, and people of all ages who are at increased risk due to their jobs. These occupations include first responders, education staff, agricultural workers, people who work in manufacturing, congregate care staff, corrections workers, postal service workers, public transit workers and grocery employees.
Willis also said the CDC is expected to authorize the vaccination of children ages 5 to 11 when it meets on Oct. 20.
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