It’s Memorial Day Weekend! Disappointed that you won’t be able to attend the annual Memorial Day Ceremony in-person this year? Don’t worry—event organizers have moved the ceremony online so you can participate safely from your home. Hop onto the Marin County United Veteran’s Council Facebook page to watch the ceremony live at 8:30 AM on Monday, May 25. If you miss the live viewing, it will be replayed later in the day on Marin TV.
Looking for a kid-friendly Memorial Day activity to show your support for those who have served? San Rafael Recreation put together a Patriotic Windsock craft that you can make with some basic supplies. Find instructions to this, and many other at home activities on their Instagram page.
Hopefully you’ll have an opportunity to relax with your family and members of your household this weekend. Remember that shelter in place restrictions are still in effect. So no neighborhood barbecues or gatherings of any kind with members outside your household this year. If you take advantage of the nice weather and head outdoors, make sure you bring a face covering and maintain 6–feet of distance from others. Be safe and stick with it San Rafael! Thank you for continuing to look out for you community.
Open Businesses & Shopping Curbside
Many retail businesses across Marin have opened up for curbside pick-up. While customers may not enter the store, you can order merchandise and arrange to pick it up. This is a great way to support your favorite local shops and merchants and also save on delivery costs. Before you head to the curb, make sure the merchant is open and participating in curbside pick-up. And, keep our merchants safe! Make sure you wear a face covering and please do not congregate in front of shops – keep 6-feet away from others.
Reopening Guidelines for Summer Camps & Childcare
The County of Marin released reopening guidelines today about summer camps and childcare businesses, effective June 1. Mandated steps include protocols on social distancing, handwashing, face covering, surface cleaning and disinfecting, and other precautionary practices. The requirements for child care facilities and summer camps also include limiting group sizes to 12 children or fewer and keeping the same groups together for a minimum of three weeks. Arrival times are to be staggered, and parents should avoid carpooling to such facilities. Most activities are to be conducted outdoors, where the risk of contracting COVID-19 is much lower. Shared equipment, such as sporting goods and toys, must remain within the same group of 12.
COVID-19 Testing
There are several ways to get tested for COVID-19 in Marin. Anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should immediately call their medical provider and seek testing. Marin Community Clinics offer phone and in-person appointments. You can call them at (415) 448-1500.
Even if you aren’t experiencing symptoms, it’s recommended that you get tested if you were exposed to someone who has COVID-19 or are a public or private sector essential worker (i.e. first responders, grocery stores, health professionals, construction, childcare).
If you have a health provider, you can start by reaching out to them; most provide testing. If you don’t have health insurance, you can get tested for free. Call 1-888-634-1123 or visit lhi.care/covidtesting to make an appointment. Multilingual staff are available to assist with both appointment scheduling and testing.
Free, drop-in testing (no appointment needed) is also available in the Canal neighborhood next week:
- Tuesday & Thursday from 1-6:30 p.m. at 1177 Francisco Blvd East (Available to adults who live or work in Marin)
- Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from 1-3 p.m. at 91 Larkspur St (Available to adults and children who live in the Canal neighborhood)
CalFresh Food Assistance
Is your grocery budget tight? Applications for CalFresh are on the rise due to COVID-19, and Marin County Health and Human Services is encouraging even more residents to sign-up! The CalFresh program, federally known as SNAP, provides recipients with electronic benefits that can be used to purchase foods in many stores and markets. Find out if you’re eligible. You can apply for CalFresh benefits online or by calling 1-877-847-3663.
COVID-19 Scams
The coronavirus pandemic has changed and limited the way we connect with family, friends, and service providers. You may be contacted and offered fake testing kits or COVID-19 treatments in order for scammers to gain access to personal and financial information. Cybersecurity best practices can be found at StaySafeOnline.org, a site offered by the National Cybersecurity Alliance.
You can report abuse or consult on matters related to scams and financial abuse to the County’s Adult Protective Services at 415-473-2774. The District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Unit can be reached at 415-473-6495.
REMINDERS
- While you may visit your neighborhood park, playgrounds and other park amenities (aside from tennis) remain CLOSED. They are not regularly sanitized. Find out more about our city parks.
- Are you or someone you know an older adult who could use some assistance getting meals on the table? You may be eligible for meal delivery through Great Plates Marin. Call 415-456-9073 to apply.
- Don’t forget to fill-out your Census! You can do it online or by calling a toll-free phone number.
- Like to sew? Face covering donations are still being accepted!
- The San Rafael Public Library is still here for you! Find out about remote services and upcoming virtual programs in the latest edition of Your Online Library and subscribe to receive weekly updates.