FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 13th, 2020
SAN RAFAEL ANNOUNCES CLOSURES OF COMMUNITY CENTERS AND EVENT CANCELLATIONS THROUGH MARCH 31st, 2020
SAN RAFAEL, CA- To further mitigate the spread of COVID-19, also known as novel Coronavirus, the City of San Rafael is closing community centers and cancelling all community classes, programs, recreation leagues, and events starting Saturday, March 14th until March 31st, 2020. Library programs are included within these cancellations, but the libraries and City Hall will continue to remain open and provide regular services at this time.
“During these challenging times, everyone should prioritize personal and public health,” said Mayor Gary Phillips, “we don’t take these decisions lightly, but believe these closures are the best way for us to implement health department recommendations to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect our most vulnerable residents.“
City staff are in the process of reaching out to all class participants and reservation holders affected by these closures and cancellations.
Facility closures and event cancellations will continue to be reevaluated and additional closures may be announced as the situation evolves. A decision regarding April programming and facility closures will be announced by March 27th, 2020.
In order to conduct essential government business, the San Rafael City Council will hold its regularly scheduled meeting on March 16th at 7 p.m. However, to respond to health recommendations encouraging social distancing, the City offers several ways to accept public comment in advance such as through letters or emails. The City will also be piloting real-time online commenting on agenda items through YouTube Live. During this pilot, City staff will attempt to read aloud every online comment, designated for the City Council, during the public comment portions of the meeting.
As a reminder, the best defense against a respiratory virus is prevention and good hygiene. Everyone is encouraged to:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
For the most recent updates regarding COVID-19 in San Rafael, please visit: https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/coronavirus/
For further details regarding the YouTube Live Commenting Pilot, please visit: https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/live-commenting-pilot/
Download the full press release.