Marin Issues Mask-Wearing Nudge As Subvariants Surge

MARIN COUNTY, CA — Marin health officials issued a mask-wearing reminder as an Omicron subvariant-fueled wave has kept cases at a stubbornly high plateau.

Marin’s positivity rate was 12.1 percent according to data from the county’s most recent report on July 19.

Although not nearly as high as the winter surge in which the county’s positivity rate exploded to 18.6 percent (Jan.9), Marin’s positivity rate has been in double digits for more than three months since hitting 10.1 percent May 14.

Hospitalizations remain low, largely the result of Marin’s high vaccination rate. As of Friday, Marin had 25 patients hospitalized with COVID-19, of which two were being treated in ICUs. Just 10 of the patients were hospitalized “for” COVID-19.

County officials said there are no plans to return a mask mandate. They're hoping the gentle nudge will help promote mask-wearing in indoor settings and in crowded outdoor environments.

Approximately 1 in 20 Marin residents are currently infected, based on hospitalization entry testing, county officials said.

This month 90 percent of COVID-19 samples tested in Marin were BA.4 or BA.5 Omicron subvariants, county officials said.

“Knowing the risk of exposure to the virus in everyday activities, like going to the grocery store, can help us make informed choices,” Marin County Health and Human Services epidemiologist Lee Ann Prebil said in a statement.

“We hope sharing these data brings the point home-- these days the odds are high that the virus is in the air in indoor public settings in Marin.”

County officials recommend upgrading to a N95, KN95 or KF94 masks, which form a seal around the nose and mouth, filtrating airborne particles that could be inhaled.

Cloth masks offer limited protection against highly infectious variants when community case rates are high

“If you’re serious about not getting infected, or if someone at home is at risk severe COVID-19, wearing a good mask is the right decision,” Marin County Public Health Officer. Dr. Matt Willis said in a statement.

“This is how healthcare workers have used masks for decades—before coming into a room with someone who might be sick, pulling on a high-quality mask that blocks the germ entirely. It’s a simple step.”