Marin Health Officer Issues Coronavirus Travel Advisory

MARIN COUNTY, CA — On the eve of the spring holidays, Marin County’s top health official is urging the public to resist the temptation to travel amid the ongoing pandemic.

Health Officer Dr. Matt Willis’ admonition comes despite what by all accounts has been a successful vaccine rollout in the North Bay county.

As of March 26, nearly half the county’s residents have received at least one jab.

But Willis cited the increasing prevalence more contagious and potentially deadlier variants as the driving force between his admonition that at this time travel constitutes a public health risk.

“If you have the travel bug, remember that COVID-19 is a travel bug,” Willis said in a statement.

“Stay local. The last thing we need to do is import variants into our community.”

Marin County officials cited outbreaks associated with club sports teams that have traveled outside the Bay Area and in some cases out of state as an example of nonessential travel imperiling public health.

“We’ve made so much progress in the past two months: vaccination rates are increasing, and infection rates are declining,” Willis said.

“Our goal should be to hold on to those gains, and not let down our guard.”

For those who must travel the CDC offers the following guidelines:

• If you are eligible, get fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
• Before you travel, get tested with a viral test 1-3 days before your trip.
• Wear a mask over your nose and mouth when in public.
• Avoid crowds and stay at least 6 feet/2 meters (about 2 arm lengths) from anyone who did not travel with you.
• Get tested 3-5 days after your trip and stay home and self-quarantine for a full 7 days after travel, even if your test is negative. If you don’t get tested, stay home and self-quarantine for 10 days after travel.

Those adhering to recommendations against travel are still urged to follow Marin Public Health’s Celebrate Safely webpage.

Health officials note that when vaccination rates reach 80 percent of residents, some restrictions and travel and gatherings may be further relaxed.

As supplies increase residents are encouraged to obtain their vaccine when eligible. Visit GetVaccinatedMarin.org for latest updates on eligibility and availability of appointments.