Marinscope
Marin County this week authorized people to enter into “social bubbles” — a mechanism for people seeking to socialize with others outside their immediate family.
Up until June 22, Marin residents were prohibited from socially interacting with people outside of their immediate household other than on an essential basis. The social bubble allowance works like this according to officials:
“A social bubble is a group of 12 or fewer people from different households or living units who have agreed to socialize only with members of their group. A social bubble must be maintained for a minimum of three weeks, and people can only be members of one social bubble at a time. While face coverings and social distancing are always recommended, members of a social bubble do not have to adhere to these requirements when they are with members of their social bubble in outdoor settings.”
How bubbles will be enforced in Marin was not readily clear from the county’s website. However, the health officer in San Mateo, Dr. Scott Morrow, wrote he has requested “the sheriff and all police chiefs in the county ensure compliance with and enforcement of this order. Violation of any of its provisions is considered an imminent threat and menace to public health, constitutes a public nuisance, and is punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both.”
Dr. Morrow did not explain how police were to enforce social bubbles. It was also unclear whether Marin health officials have followed suit and asked local police to declare those who socialize outside their bubble as “a menace to public health” and thereby worthy of a “fine, imprisonment, or both.”
In the past, health officials in both San Mateo and Marin have been closely aligned on policy.
As of June 21, Marin County posted 18 deaths from coronavirus. ICU beds in the county remain uncrowded.
In San Quentin, however, 159 prisoners have tested positive, a tenfold increase in two weeks.
Marin health officials plan for more loosening of the rules. Next Monday, June 29, these businesses and industries will be allowed to open their doors:
- Restaurants – Indoor Seating.
- Hair Salons and Barbershops.
- Gyms and Fitness Studios.
- Hotels, Motels, Hospitality, Short Term Rentals (leisure and tourism activity).
- Camping.
- Education – K-12.
The order requires drivers or operators of any public transportation, private car service, or ride-sharing vehicle to wear a face covering while driving regardless of whether a member of the public is present due to the need to reduce the spread of respiratory droplets in the vehicle at all times.
The order does not require a face covering while driving alone or with members of the same family or household in a vehicle not used commercially.
For businesses, the order requires employees, contractors, owners, and volunteers to wear a face covering in the workplace and off-site when they are interacting in person with the public or working in any public space, like a reception area, restroom or service counter — regardless of whether anyone from the public is present at the time.
Face coverings are also required where food is prepared or packaged for sale or distribution, working in or walking through common areas such as hallways, stairways, elevators, and parking facilities, and in any room or enclosed area when other people, including co-workers, are present (except for members of the person’s own household or residence).
Wearing a face covering is recommended but not required for outdoor recreation such as walking, hiking, bicycling, or running. But social distancing requirements — including maintaining at least six feet of separation from all other people to the greatest extent possible —still hold. For outdoor activities, the order recommends carrying face coverings at all times, since they are required to be worn when six-foot distancing is impossible, such as when passing on a narrow path.
Any child aged 2 years or less must not wear a face covering at any time because of the risk of suffocation. The order does not require that any child aged 12 years or less wear a face covering.
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